Friday, November 27, 2009

The Day After









The day after Thanksgiving - also know as Black Friday - marks the beginning of the shopping season. For the faint of heart, beware. For the braver folk, grab your credit card, lace up your kicks, and may you score a good sale (or two!).

The holidays are officially underway. Dun dun dun...
The parties, the food, the family & friends, the magic, the loneliness, the joy, the consumerism, the abundance of it all. Some adore it, some deplore it. So it goes. I stand somewhere in between but closer to the adoring side. My mom loves the holidays in a way that's unfailing contagious. She goes above and beyond to make it a magical experience form start to finish, taking even the smallest details into consideration. Each year she manages to outdo the previous but what's most amazing is the joy it brings to her and through her to all of us. I love this about my mom and I love spending this time with and around her.

This will be the first Christmas in my 27 years that I will not be celebrating in the traditional way. No snow, no caroling, no glitter and sparkle, no mom. This year I will be laying on the white sand of Mexico celebrating instead the 80th birthday of my father's father. While I'm torn emotionally at this break in tradition I'm welcoming this new experience.

I might even enjoy the break from the inevitable stress that tends to creep in during the weeks building up. I will miss Christmas dinner, I will miss the joy on my little brother's face as he walks along Santa's chocolate path towards the tree, I will miss my mama making cinnamon toast in her bathrobe while we open stockings, and the sleepy but happy togetherness we share on that early morning among the shiny packages and one another.

In a wierd way this year marks the end of childhood for me. For us all the holidays change as we grow up and some are better at keeping the spirit alive than others. My mom being one of them. It takes more effort on our part to find that magic that was so real, to experience the excitement, and the simple joy of imagination. These are the reasons I love Christmas. It's the sparkle, glitter, lights, beauty, laughter, cozy evening and mornings spent with people we love.

As much as I love the day of I admit that I'm usually exhausted by it from all the build-up and so I welcome the day after. All the work is done and we're allowed to just sit back and relax. Most of the family is still around but the pressure is off. It's the "ahhhhhhh" moment, the deep exhale, the calm after the storm. The challenge is to find those moments throughout the weeks leading up to, the days of, and of course, the day after.

May you find peace in your holidays, may your imagination go wild, may you enjoy the time spent with the people you love, and may you survive the mobs if you have decided to brave Black Friday. Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Best GF Granola














Summer in under-way despite the fact that the whole East Coast has been blanketed in what feels like weeks of endless rain and greyness. Thankfully we've had a few blessed moments of sunshine dispersed throughout, just enough to dash outdoors to tend the gradens, plucking the ruthless weeds and snails. Having limited access to the outdoors has inspired culinary adventures as well as longer and more focused time on my mat - all which I'm thankful for the time to be able to indulge in.


Here what's happening en la cucina:


Crunchy Omega Rich GF Granola Goodness
2 cups GF oats
1/4 cup ground flax seed
1/4 cup shredded coconut (I used unsweetened)
1/2 walnut pieces
1/2 sliced almonds
1/4 dried cranberries (or dried blueberries or raisins)
1/2 cup organic almond or peanut butter
1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey or agave)
1 tsp. vanilla
4 tbls. butter, ghee, or grapeseed oil (I used grapeseed oil for dairy free)

Preheat oven to 325. In a large bowl mix dry ingredients. In a small saucepan over low heat mix wet ingredients just until combined. Add wet to dry and combine well. Press into lightly greased pan. Bake 30 minutes. Take out and stir lightly (try not to break up the chunks too much), turn the heat up to 375 and bake until nicely browned and crispy. Let cool completely. Store in glass tupperware or jars. Enjoy!
*Like any granola recipe tweak it to suit your palette by using different nuts, seeds, dried fruit, sweetness level.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Our vegetable garden comes to life!














There's something so fulfilling about growing one's own food. Being involved in the process from start to finish. This summer we've expanded our vegetable garden by three extra beds - so far so good. I look forward each day to see the progress made overnight and wait with eager anticipation for the first harvest!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The Spunky Coconut

This website is worth checking out for some creative GF recipes and the chance to win a copy of her new GF cookbook:
http://www.thespunkycoconut.com/

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day Muffins













I've been experimenting recently with some new gluten-free recipes from Elana's Pantry. All of the recipes are gluten-free and dairy-free but chock-full of wholesome and healthy substitutions - such as almond flour, coconut flour, agave, arrowroot (they sound exotic but most healthfood stores carry them) - for the traditional ingredients. I wish I could take credit for these little gems, but at least I'm helping to spread the word. It is possible to enjoy baked treats that you don't have to feel guilty about. So far I have been very impressed. Here's a great twist on a classic fave:

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
¼ cup coconut flour
¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
3 eggs
¼ cup agave nectar
¼ cup grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1. In a medium bowl, combine coconut flour, salt and baking soda
2. In a large bowl, blend together eggs, agave, oil and lemon zest
3. Blend dry ingredients into wet
4. Fold in poppy seeds
5. Spoon 1 tablespoon of batter into each greased mini muffin cup
6. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes
7. Cool and serve

Makes about about 24 mini-muffins. Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Saturday, May 23, 2009


















It's finally starting to feel like summer here on the island. The buds are blooming, the grass is growing (at unbelievable speed), the sun is shining bright, and yesterday I would even go so far as to say it was hot! A perfect day to lounge in the garden with the puppy by my side and procrastinate on mowing the lawn.

Happy long weekend everyone!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Finding Our Way















Running for me is meditation. It's peace and quiet, time with myself where I can think or not, where I just go; it's healing and restorative, energizing and inspiring. I feel strong and empowered, and face the rest of my life with that perspective. When I don't run I miss it, I miss the monotony, I miss the high afterward, I miss the intuitive connection with my body. Yoga gives me all of this (and more) but in a different way. Together, my running and my yoga practice complete me. Without one I feel a void.

When I come to this island, running is especially special. It takes on a whole new space in my days and connects me to my surroundings in a very intimate and personal way. As I increase my miles naturally, effortlessly in some sense, I feel the natural progression and I thrive on it.

Two days ago, after a few months of avoiding the issue, I had to make the very very difficult decision to stop running for health reasons. It was a choice between keeping on with something that brings me such happiness and mental clarity or giving this up and taking care of my body's health in another respect. Both are positive for me, and so there was no clear-cut answer.

We're often faced with decisions we'd rather not have to make - choosing between two options, neither of which seems the obvious choice. Nevertheless, we must decide, choose, commit to one side. These can vary greatly in importance or relevance to the grander scheme, but when it's put before us, no matter the significance to others, it can often feel impossible to ourselves. Our lives, composed of relationships, health, work, love, discovery - all require decisions daily; most are done subconsciously, yet others take thought and consideration on a more meaningful level.

Being faced with one which would eventually play a crucial role in my overall well-being felt, and still feels, like a huge mountain that I just don't want to climb. My body needs me to stop running but at the same time needs me to run.

The point is that more often than not in life we are faced with decisions, sometimes without an easy or obvious "right" way to proceed. For the difficult ones, we search deep inside for guidance and we hope, we pray, we believe and trust that our intuition will lead us. We decide, we commit, and we stay consistent. Hopefully, we have support systems to encourage and remind us, but most important is to believe in what we're doing and carry with us that strength of knowledge.

Part of me is itching to lace up my running shoes this morning and head out but I know that I am committing fully, and so I will refocus my energy - I will roll out my mat and set my intention for good health, well-being, and peace of mind to support me.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Stretching in Style

The yoga industry is booming - from new studios popping up daily in the most remote locations to clothing lines geared specifically toward yogis and yoginis with prices that would make you gasp. I am guilty of purchasing a few of these exorbitantly overpriced tops and bottoms, each promising to bring your practice to new heights and allow you to move in ways you never knew possible.

Hmmmm. Let's put things in perspective: we're not fooling anyone - we really just want to look cute and feel good about ourselves as we step onto our mats, right?! Who are we kidding? I can say, from experience, that when I head out for a run or step into a yoga studio or even set off on a long hike, if I am properly dressed or donning a cute outfit it does change the way I approach the activity; I do carry myself differently and have more confidence. It can also inspire us and be incentive to get out the door. There is definitely some truth that in the right gear we are able to move more freely, sweat more without chaffing, and keep things in place that might otherwise wiggle and giggle in unwanted ways. So just as we spend unspeakable prices for the perfect pair of jeans or the sexiest pair of leather boots, so too do we shell out the big bucks for stylish exercise gear. This is NOT to say that you can't score awesome deals on super cute and super affordable gear (um, hellew Target and TJ Maxx) - it just takes a little more digging.

For those of you familiar with the Prada of the yoga clothing world, Lululemon, you probably know that they don't have online ordering. Well my friends, I am here this morning to tell you that has changed. Lululemon now offers online shopping, for an arm and a leg no doubt, but it's available. So if you need a cute outfit to get you inspired to start moving your bod - be it on in the gym, the yoga studio, the pavement - check out a few of my favorite sites to indulge in:

Zobha
Beyond Yoga
Be Present

Thursday, April 30, 2009












Our departure from the Berkshires went as smoothly as anyone could hope and after a short stint in Cambridge - to refuel, unpack, repack, and have some fun - we've arrived on our beloved island! It's only been a couple of days but we're well on our way to being fully settled and resuming our island lifestyle. Despite a few minor glitches the Green House is still standing and with a little TLC will soon, once again, be called home for the season.

Yoga classes begin this Saturday 8:30am!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Embracing Earth Day!

















Do your part to participate and acknowledge this global movement to save our planet. Big or small, all efforts count. Life, relationships, global warming - our personal actions create ripple effects which affect the greater whole. If we each move with a greater awareness, positive change is inevitable. Today I'm walking to yoga class where I'll set an intention to breathe clean air and support the people in my life more fully so that they can then do the same.

What can you do today to make a difference? What will you give up? How can you contribute? Share your ideas...

Saturday, April 18, 2009

All Nuts Are NOT Created Equal













By now I hope you're convinced that nuts, in moderation, are good for you. They're a great source of protein and heart-healthy fats (the "good for you" fats). A few nuts go a long way, calorically and nutritionally. It's good to eat a variety of the top six nuts (which I'll discuss below), as they all offer slightly different nutrients.

I've always loved nuts, in all their crunchy, rich deliciousness. Over the years, my preferences have changed from salted to unsalted, from roasted to raw, from peanuts to almonds. I can't deny that part of the preference change has been influenced by knowledge I've learned about the varying health benefits each nut offers. As in all food groups, certain variations promise more nutritional umph, and nuts are no exception. Just remember to enjoy in moderation. Here's a list of what I believe are the top of the nut food chain (listing in order of my preference) and a few of their highlights:

1. Walnuts - have high levels of vitamin E and an ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids (1:5). These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, protect heart health, and guard against arthritis.
2. Almonds - help stabilize blood sugar, have high calcium content, and are the least acid forming.
3. Pecans - also have high vitamin E content, and regular consumption may help decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
4. Cashews - are high in magnesium (second only to almonds), which can help build strong bones, and have more carbohydrates and a lower fat content than most other nuts. They are often inexpensive relative to other nuts.
5. Pistachios - have lots of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin A, as well as fiber and iron.
6. Brazil nuts - contain omega-3 fatty acids and high levels of the mineral selenium, which may help prevent breast cancer.

Hazelnuts and pine nuts are also considered great nuts, though I don't tend to consume them so I'm omitting them here. Peanuts - which most adore, and I'm no exception - are considered by many to be at the bottom of the nut barrel, the nutrional black sheep. But again, everything in moderation.

Raw vs. Roasted...
This is where the raw foodies jump up and wave their arms and demand an audience while they defend their movement. I have to admit that everything I've read on raw food is convincing, and there's really no downside except when you take it to the full-fledged level and then it just becomes, well, a time-consuming, anti-social pain. The health benefits this lifestyle promises are incredibly tantalizing and I was intrigued last summer after reading a great book called, "12 Steps to Raw Food." It had me seriously convinced to conform for about 12 hours - but then reality set back in; I made myself a tall glass of carrot-cucumber juice and decided that was my extent. Back to the nuts. Again, it's preference in the end, but the bottom line is that any food in its most natural form (i.e., NOT cooked or processed) is the best choice.

One last point - nuts are expensive but it's worth shelling out a couple extra bucks and opting for organic. Nuts are not only tempting to our savvy palettes but the little critters love them too, so they are doused in toxic pesticides which no doubt have an ill effect on us. Weigh the options - a few bucks or your health, you decide. This goes for all food choices we make. If you're lucky enough to live near a Trader Joe's, they offer an excellent selection of nuts at the most reasonable prices around. Stock up next time you're there and store the extras in the freezer.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Thursday, April 9, 2009

The best things in life...

...are free! Debatable by some but not moi. Think about it. Think about all your favorite things to do, the experiences of daily life that make you happiest - no matter how trivial or small - and think about which ones you have to pay for and which you don't.

Stepping outside when the sun is shining. Your first sip of tea in the morning. Holding hands. Taking a hot shower. Laughing with a friend. Scoring a free sample at your favorite gourmet food store!

It's so easy these days to get whisked away by the consumer wave of needing, wanting, buying, wasting, needing more, and relying on these "things" to fulfill some deeper void within ourselves. We convince ourselves - often subconsciously - that the more we buy the happier we'll be and the better our lives will be. Sure, practical items make daily life easier in many ways, but they never make us happier people. We all know this, but putting it into action takes awareness and practice. To be truly happy we need to heal and nurture ourselves from the inside out.

And in these financially trying times, who can deny wanting to save a few pennies?

I recently read a book called "The Price of Privilege," in which the author argues that affluent adolescents are in fact worse off emotionally than those whose families struggle more financially. The author claims that families with financial means tend to placate their children by showering them with "things" in lieu of physical and emotional love and support. At the same time the families who can't provide their children with material goods tend to have stronger emotional support systems. It's proven in many studies that families who place emphasis on the family and spending time together produce happier, more grounded children. Those whose parents work constantly and spend little quality time together - talking, laughing, sharing about their days - lack the confidence and support needed, which forces them to try and attain it from "things" and exterior stimulants.

It's interesting research and one that we can apply to our own lives and benefit from as we move through our days of being constantly bombarded with advertisements and temptations for quick fixes. Clearly, the answer is not to stop shopping or never again to buy another new dress (my own personal fetish), but instead to recognize what's driving us when we do feel the need to buy the latest model of this or that - is it need based or want based? Is it to keep up with the Joneses or to console yourself after a bad day?

Think back to the mental list of free things you love to do and enjoy in your life. Make more room in your day for these activities and see how this can fulfill you more completely and keep you empowered on your path.

I invite you to keep this interactive and share your moments for us all to enjoy!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Homemade Lärabars


This morning I found a treat waiting for me in the fridge. Gabriel had somehow managed to make me a homemade version of my all-time favorite healthy treat (as in, we buy them in bulk) without me noticing...and they're delicious - no, seriously, they're incredible, better even than the original Lärabar if that's possible...and they're all organic! There's no feeling bad after indulging in these tasteful bars because they're packed full of nutrients and contain no ingredients you can't pronounce. Here's how he did it:

Cashew Crunch
1 & 1/4 cups chopped dates, or 4.5 oz
1 cup chopped raw cashews
Yield: 4–5 bars

Coconut Delight
1 & 1/3 cups chopped dates
2/3 cup chopped raw cashews
2/3 cup chopped raw almonds
1 tablespoon coconut oil, chopped into flakes
Yield: 5–6 bars

Instructions
Pulse dates in food processor until you have a pulpy mass
Set this aside in a bowl
Pulse the nuts in the food processor to your desired chunkiness
  (Or: pulse half to near-powder state and pulse the other half to a chunky state)
Knead the nuts (and coconut) into the dates with your hands
Form into bars or your shape of choice and wrap in plastic

Notes
First: these are best eaten cold!
Second: ingredient quantities are approximate and pre-food processor.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Spring Cleaning

It's that time of year again - time to crack open the windows, pack away the sweaters, feel the warm sun on exposed skin, and realize you're no longer in hibernation. It's Spring and while we welcome the warmer weather and longer days, many of us find it discouraging as we peel off our long underwear to discover that yes, we somehow turned into pudgy little bears under all that clothing. So while we put away the skis and the sleds, while we give the house a good scrub, let's match that effort by giving our own little temples a jump-start as well. Today I am embarking on a 30 day Spring Cleanse - nothing too drastic, just some simple changes - check out the basic plan.

"Like any calendar shift, the arrival of spring is an ideal opportunity to assess, re-evaluate, and re-focus our wellness goals. Whether it's to lose weight, start training for an athletic event, pick up a new sport, or stress less about the hapless economy, there's no better time to start than the present- particularly when the present contains more daylight hours." Well put OmGal!

What are you Spring Cleaning goals?

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Take 1: Puppy Interference

I stepped onto my mat this afternoon with the best intentions of creating a sequence to share with you all - one which I hoped would inspire you and maybe even make you smile. Lumi was not part of the plan. Sometimes things just don't go as expected.



May your practices on and off the mat be full of laughter, joy, and compassion!

Worth reading

In the latest NYT's Week in Review, Mark Bittman writes about "organic" food and healthy eating - it's definitely worth peeking at here.

An interesting (and frightening) tidbit from the article:
But eating “organic” offers no guarantee of any of that. And the truth is that most Americans eat so badly — we get 7 percent of our calories from soft drinks, more than we do from vegetables; the top food group by caloric intake is “sweets”; and one-third of nation’s adults are now obese — that the organic question is a secondary one. It’s not unimportant, but it’s not the primary issue in the way Americans eat.

What do you make of this article and the broader topic in general?

(Props to Michelle O. for setting a great example!)

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Please pass the...



Clearly, I have a thing for papaya. Worthy enough to make part of my blog title, the fruit for me is more than just a piece of fruit. Under its smooth skin is a taste of delicious, succulent, healing, nourishing yumminess that easily wins this girl's heart at first bite. The flavor and texture of this brilliant orange fruit causes many people to steer clear, but I would recommend digging in -- not only will the taste become one you crave but the fruit also packs some serious nutritional benefits.

Papaya is loaded with vitamin C, folate, and potassium (the list goes on), and it's also extremely soothing and healing for our digestive systems -- meaning it's a wonderfood for all you celiacs and those with other tummy woes out there. To learn more about this superfruit, follow this link to one of my favorite nutrition/food resources.

Choosing a ripe papaya is similar to choosing a ripe mango (another of my faves -- both shown in the image above). The fruit should be slightly soft to the touch and the skin should be a yellowish color. The meat of the fruit should be a rich, orange color at its peak. To prepare a papaya, cut it open lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, slice, peel, and enjoy!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Mix It Up


There's no denying the fact that we all slip up. On the job, with the family, with our regimes, in life. It's just the way it goes, so, you can beat yourself up, or you can recognize and start fresh.

As with all exercise plans it's important - no, crucial - to mix it up. Not only does this keep you from dying of boredom but it also keeps the body stimulated and working to its full potential. Don't get me wrong - if you have a strict routine that you've done for years and is serving you well, power to you. But if you're a newbie or not a passionate about physical fitness at heart, the only way that you will maintain any kind of sustained daily exercise is by keeping it new and varied. Trust me, I speak from experience.

Whatever your current sweat-inducing practice of choice may be, ask yourself, "Am I bored? Is this serving me best?" It might be subconscious but if there's even a glimmer of stagnant energy when you lace up your running shoes or step onto your mat, decide to try something different, even if it's just that one day.

If you're heading out for your daily four-mile loop, commit to changing the pace - interval training is proven to kick-start your metabolism, burning more calories faster, and is a new focus for your mind. If you're pulling on your spandex for the same 45 minute routine, log onto YouTube and search for a new sequence to try. Make yourself a kick-ass playlist (I'll be posting some soon) - music can be a great source of inspiration and energy. Just go for it. Give yourself and your routine a break and see what happens.

Our bodies, like our minds, are easily trained to fall into patterns, and if we don't vary their stimulation they can quickly become stagnant. Muscles need to be worked. They need to be flexed and challenged in order to support our skeletal system, healthy circulation, toned and properly functioning organs, increased calorie use. You've heard it before but it's worth saying again: muscle burns more calories than fat. So pick up a dumbbell, drop and try a push-up, work your body and it'll work for you.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Namas...what?



I'm often approached at the end of class by a student asking, "What exactly does namaste mean?" It's a great question since many of us just go through the yoga practice, or daily life, without stopping to understand why we do what we do and the meanings behind these actions, traditions, or in this case a simple but powerful word.

Namaste, derived from Sanskrit, translates roughly to "the light in me bows to the light in you." The Hindi version, jai bhagwan, expresses the same intention; both are common in the West as a final word we offer to one another at the close of a shared practice. In traditional Indian daily life, however, namaste is spoken as a greeting, an acknowledgment in passing, and a last parting word.

Most yoga classes use the term only at the end of class to part ways. The closing of class is usually a calm and serene time for most; many are still in a meditative state from savasana, the final resting pose - their bodies are tired, in a relaxed state of awareness - which is the ideal mindframe from which to offer namaste to others.

Below I describe how we end a class, but it can also be a guide to a short meditation on your mat at home. Take a few minutes to sit in a quiet place and slowly build awareness through a deep calm...

Come to a comfortable seated position - you can be crosslegged. Bring awareness to the sit-bones grounding you down into the Earth as the crown of your head lifts you up, lengthening the spine to support you. With palms touching in front of your heart, bring awareness to the pulsation within you as you feel your breath flowing in and out, connecting you to our prana, or energy force.

Bowing our heads in respect for the practice, the space, and one another, we share a quiet moment of acknowledgment.


This is often the most communal part of a class for me. Once our bodies and minds have been engaged fully, the students are finally able to rest and be in the stillness; letting go of all internal dialogue, bringing awareness to their bodies in the space and among others, generating a feeling of oneness -- this creates the Peace we each carry into our day.

From me to you all, on this beautiful Spring morning,
Namaste!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Moving with Music

Music in yoga class. It's a hot debate in the yoga community! Some love it and claim they can't practice without it; others cringe and claim they can't practice with it. I can go either way. I began taking yoga classes at a studio without music so I became accustomed to that, but I have always used music in my own classes. That said, seeking out suitable music and creating playlists that work can be challenging. Music can be incredibly motivating, uplifting, and energizing -- a wonderful aid to finding rhythm and movement in your own body. It can also be distracting and overwhelming if used incorrectly.

I am always seeking out new tunes (suggestions encouraged!) and recently discovered a real gem: meet MC YOGI. He's a passionate yoga practitioner with a beautiful practice, and he's also a great musician with a purpose. He uses his yoga practice and this love of hip hop to reach out to a broader audience and work for change in the world. He has a lot of great projects in the works - I highly encourage you to check out his website and/or his new CD, Elephant Power, available in full on itunes.

Check out this video he put together pre-election - it's pretty rockin'!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Glazed Carrot Ginger Soup



This recipe will kick off the FOOD component of this blog and what I hope to be a series of posts sharing my current explorations in the kitchen (i.e., recipes) but also nutritional information I am learning and any other food-related topics I might deem interesting. I highly encourage you all to also share with us your food journeys as well because we learn the most from one another.

I'll start with a carrot ginger soup I made this past weekend that was not only fresh and delicious but also bursting with immune-boosting goodness!

I use the whole carrot (not peeled) because the skins of vegetables contain so much of their vitamins and minerals. Make sure you are using organic whenever possible as the skins of non-organics are covered in harmful pesticides that spread throughout the food. Rich in Vitamin A and antioxidants, not to mention their promotion of super night vision, carrots also have a bright orange color that is a sure sign of their rich nutrients.


















Ginger
is an acquired taste but once you take to it ... mmmmm! It's versatile in use and the health benefits are indisputable, ranging from soothing tummy woes to boosting our immune systems to easing muscle pain, just to name a few. It took me a while to accept ginger's distinctive flavor - trying it first in its pickled form with sushi - but I now find its refreshing flavor stimulating and exciting. When cooked, as in a big pot of soup, the flavor of the root is subtle and thus a good way to start introducing ginger into your diet. You want to save the ginger tea for the more advanced ginger lover! This recipe is adapted from Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything Vegetarian and is subtle but delicious. If you like, you can dock it up to make it more exciting, but start simple and go from there.

1.5 large organic carrots, diced
3-6 teaspoons ginger (depending on how strong you want the flavor), minced
1-2 tablespoons ghee or butter
6 cups water or favorite veggie stock
2 teaspoons agave or maple syrup
salt and pepper
a good shake of cinnamon
a shake of nutmeg
*optional garnishes:
chopped chives, crème fraîche, toasted walnut pieces

In a large soup pot, throw in carrots, ghee, ginger, 3/4 cup of water, agave, salt and pepper. Cook covered on medium heat for 10 minutes or until carrot are tender, stirring occasionally, helping the carrots to glaze in the ghee

Add water or stock, cover pot, cook on high until liquid comes to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Blend with an immersion or regular blender until very smooth.

Return to pot and simmer another 10 minutes, adding cinnamon and nutmeg. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chives and/or a dollop of crème fraîche.

I served this with my favorite beet salad and sweet potato cornbread. It's the perfect Spring meal - healthy, refreshing, satisfying, and beautiful. Enjoy!

Food

Food sustains us, nurtures us, heals us, and brings us together. It is basic and at the same time can be very complex - I like to keep it simple, nothing too fancy, just fresh, clean, and healthy. Choosing which foods we consume can often be a tricky process but simple and intuitive is a good place to begin. We're bombarded with mixed messages and different theories about food - when, how, and what to eat - so it's no surprise that we face a constant process of exploration, trial, and sometimes error.

The bottom line: great meals and great health start with wholesome, organic, vibrant food. It's hard to dispute that.

Learning what works best for us and our bodies is a life-long journey we embark on when we decide to bring awareness to our health. Listening and adjusting our eating routines when needed is where trial and error comes in - this process should be embraced, not avoided. Food should be enjoyed and acknowledged; it should be chosen, prepared, and consumed with love. Explore, try new foods, and commit to eating with full awareness. Your body is your guide and it will give you clear signals if you allow yourself to tune in.

My own process of finding which foods serve me best is constantly evolving. I have been gluten-free and very low dairy dairy for the past 5 years, which has saved my digestion and spirit alike. I was suffering from severe Celiac-related ailments (weight loss, mood swings, depression, lethargy) but the shift after I changed my diet was profound. This began my curiosity with food and nutrition. I saw the healing process in my own body and wanted to learn more.

For the most part I consume a plant-based diet which I supplement with whole grains (quinoa and brown rice are my faves), lots of fresh and sometimes frozen fruit (smoothies!), lean proteins - I firmly believe we should only support organic, free- range animal products and highly encourage you to read Fast Food Nation before eating another hamburger - plenty of legumes, seeds and nuts, and the occasional treat. I have a passion for baking so you can often find me in the kitchen experimenting with new GF recipes for tasty desserts. This brings me to sugar - aka "white death" - which I try to avoid, opting instead to use agave which is a fabulous alternative.

There is so much information out there about food that it really is overwhelming. If you allow yourself to get swept up into the latest fads it can be confusing, expensive, and misleading. Instead, resolve to be informed, not influenced. Decide to be your own guide using all the useful tips and facts you learn to approach your own decisions with an educated mind, but letting your body be your real teacher.

I will quote Micheal Pollan here, though, because I think he makes a great point with his approach: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

What nourishes you?

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

A few more thoughts...

What I find most exciting about blogs - and my primary goal for this one - is the space it provides for shared ideas, thoughts, questions, a dialogue between friends and strangers alike. So I was thrilled when a comment on Be Here Now challenged the ideas presented while asking some questions. The commenter asked, "What about being able to laugh at yourself, relax, stop taking everything so seriously and just let go. Does that have any place in yoga? I some how doubt it ...."

That right there - having a sense of humor and being able to maintain it in the most challenging moments - IS, in so many ways, the goal of yoga. It's through yoga (which is much much more than the physical practice but penetrates our beings on many deeper levels) that people are able to deal with their issues, fears, concerns - things holding them back and blocking them from being able to simply relax and play! Yoga is learning the tools to relax (meditation) and the tools to play (in most yoga poses, the body is exploring self-expression, freedom of movement, dancing...all in a safe and light-hearted manner).


















When I'm happiest, I am able to laugh at myself, relax, be silly, and when I'm not as happy I find it harder, but that's why it's a daily practice - one we arrive at each day with a fresh slate. I think Iyengar captures it perfectly in the title of his book Light on Life. I'm still slowly peeling back the layers to keep discovering new concepts and ways of seeing things, but the ability to accept these new ideas and approaches to finding peace is the greatest gift that yoga has given me.
Please share with us your experiences or thoughts!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

"Close your eyes and dream my friend. The truest experience of life is when we dream awake." Alberto Villoido

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Be Here Now

The concept of presence resonates strongly in me these days, on and off my mat. In my yoga practice, bringing awareness to presence can often be my yoga for the day - asanas (yoga poses) and pranayama (yoga breathing) are simply the tools that help me move into the meditation which eventually allows my mind to quiet and be still. The dialogue that inevitably fires up in my mind as I move through my sequences can often take a force of nature to quiet but when accomplished brings a peace and submission that I embrace. It's the same practice in daily routines, only there are more stimuli to resist.

To be fully aware and engaged in the moment is a struggle for many of us in this over-stimulating and highly driven society. Not living in the past or looking only ahead to the future takes a conscious practice of our will and our mind working together. Instead, accepting and embracing our current situations, whatever they may be - sans doubt, criticism, or judgment - is the ultimate goal and freedom. Loving who we are (not only who we were or who we should be), enjoying where we live, who we live with or near, what we do, the way we interact with each other. It's being settled and at ease with ourselves and our lives, not wishing we were elsewhere or "doing" something else. Being satisfied with what IS as opposed to what should or could be.

This idea is not one that we often take time to stop and contemplate because we don't allow ourselves to, but what would happen if we did? It's a simple practice but is anything but simple to achieve. As with most things, it's a daily practice. There are many barriers preventing us from achieving - let alone maintaining - this frame of mind. We are constantly bombarded with ideas and notions of lifestyles, jobs, physical traits - all said to be the ideal and carrying promises of happiness - and so we strive to attain these. We believe that if we can just get that new dress, have that vacation, get that more respected job, then we'll be happier and life will be perfect. Usually, and I'm sure once you stop to think about your own experiences, this isn't the case. Like the saying goes, the grass is always greener...

It's a frame-of-mind, a way of being. All the external distractions are just that - they're distracting us from being at peace with ourselves because we're too busy thinking about what could be. I suggest we all take a little more time each day to be grateful for what we have, who we are, what we have accomplished. Try it!

Living fully in the present and being where we are with all our good intentions can only manifest compassion and happiness. These, I believe, are the true accomplishments of life.

Live and love life, ALL ways and always!

"With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sunday, March 1, 2009

A Warm Welcome

It's with eager anticipation and a new found inspiration that I am starting up this fresh blog. The idea is simple but my hopes for it seemingly limitless. Here I plan to provide information, ideas, thoughts, questions - the more interactive the better - relating to the things that are most important in my life and that I believe sharing with you, the reader, could potentially prove beneficial. I'll focus on yoga as I live it, food and recipes as I create and enjoy them, love as I embrace it, and life as it leads me. I'm a strong believer that we create our own joy, our own health, our own love, and that the daily decisions we make influence all of these components in our lives. We all want to feel our best because only then can we approach the world with a calm and open mind, only then can we do good and love fully. So here's to health, wellness, compassion, and peace!