An asana to practice each day

Vrikshasana (tree pose) is a relatively basic balancing posture with many options and benefits for both body and mind. For the body, it can strengthen legs and feet and create a nice hip opening when the elevated knee moves slightly back to cause the hips to open in alignment. For the mind, it can be a tell tale testament to imbalances off the mat should your tree be swaying more than normal. To practice the pose, stand tall in mountain pose creating space then raise one leg to your desired level avoiding placing the raised foot directly on the knee cap of the supported leg. Breathe deeply, lift out of your hips and ribs and focus your gaze intently forward, up or sideways (or a combination of them) to practice breathing with a shifting focus. Bring arms overhead or out by your side (or lower depending on your discomfort for possible tension in the neck and shoulders). Practice for several breaths or maybe a few minutes to create strength, balance and stability. Balance is the most overlooked aspect of overall wellness in my opinion, yet the most functional thing we can do for ourselves in life. Practice, enjoy, appreciate. Namaste

Vegan lettuce wrap tacos

This was so delicious and so easy for a light lunch. This week, I made a big pot of fresh black beans to use in my meals. Today's lunch was black beans, jalepenos, avocado, peppers, cilantro and siracha sauce wrapped in romaine lettuce leaves. Very filling... but without that "stuffed"...and that always feels good. Try it with any veggies that you have on hand and enjoy!

September is National Yoga Month

Tomorrow is the start of National Yoga Month. What are your plans for the month for your practice, whether it be more often or exploring an area or pose you haven't yet? I'd love to hear your input! I will be sharing practices, pose breakdowns, recipes and motivations daily this month. New yogis welcomed! Om Shanti loves!

Chicken and Okra Stew

I'm always on the hunt for quick, simple, healthy meals that can be packed and eaten for a few days. I love experimenting! This recipe was super easy to whip up and just might be one of my new favorites. Ingredients: 6 4 oz free range chicken breasts 2 tbsp olive or coconut oil 3 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 onion 1 bellpepper 4 cups fresh tomatoes 3 cups diced okra Cayenne pepper, black pepper and salt to taste 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 bag corn Marinate chicken in broth and season (optional). Heat oil in large pot. Brown chicken 4-5 minutes on each side till golden. I sprinkled parsley on mine.

Remove chicken. Add onion, bellpepper, garlic, chicken broth, tomatoes and 1/2 cup water to pot. Bring to boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add chicken back to pot along with corn and okra. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. I finished mine by covering and simmering on extra low heat for another 10 minutes. This is great served over any grain (quinoa, brown, white or basmati rice, etc). Also great by itself for a light nighttime meal served with a salad.

Treat yourself!

Life is about balance..balance is bliss. Celebrating the new outdoor grill tonight with a fantastic steak, oven baked potato and grilled asparagus...and a glass of Carnivor Cabernet.

New adventures in Yoga

I finally took the leap and treated myself to something I've had my eye on for YEARS...a yoga hammock. Not only is this thing extremely enjoyable, it is also beneficial in SO many ways.....I am obsessed and adore it :) 

Seared Salmon Love

This dinner recipe was amazing and quick. Slice your salmon and marinade in lemon/olive oil mix for 10 minutes. Slice and drizzle red potatoes and asparagus with olive oil, cayenne pepper and lemon. Roast both in 375° for 15 min...take asparagus out and roast potatoes for 30 minutes more. Sear salmon on high heat in olive oil for 2 minutes each side. Remove and drizzle with lemon. Serve and top with parsley. Easy, quick and absolutely delicious!

Planning and Preparing in Advance is SO Important! (No Excuses)

Planning and having meals ready to go is probably one of the biggest favors that you can do for yourself. No excuses when its thought out and sitting in front of your face, right!!?? 12 turkey burgers, 12 egg white veggie muffins and a big bowl of cauliflower "potatoes" are packed away and soooo good! Recipes tomorrow!

Weight Loss Protein Powder and Organic Metabolic Fat Burner

I've been a fan of Doterra Essential Oils for awhile now. So much so that I decided to carry the line over a year ago. And while I have dappled in many of their products, I only recently decided to try their "Slim and Sassy" fitness line. My favs are the V Shake Protein Powder, a vegan blend, and the Metabolic Blend for weight loss. Both are high in fiber with no sugars or preservatives. The ingredients in both absolutely amaze me! I'm testing them out this month and will report back with results!

I love taking the occasional tech-free day!

Sometimes its just nice to put away the phone, computer and tablet and just BE...which is why there have been no posts this week..reflecting and setting intentions...sometimes breathing and absorbing life is enough. Have a blissful night :)

How I learned to love Tofu

I've had this fascination with tofu ever since the day I saw it floating in my miso soup. The stuff is full of protein and also low in calories and fat. I've been on a quest to make it taste...well....not like "stuff", for lack of a better word. I always end up with what looks like a combination of wet stirofoam and paper towels. So today I got creative with this "stuff" and came out with something pretty damn good. I'm thinking the key is baking it to retain the crispy crust and chewy inside.

I began by pressing the water out of it using paper towels with a heavy pot on top. Then marinading it in a ginger soy organic mix for 15 minutes. Next came baking it in the oven on 350 degrees for 30 minutes (flipping halfway through)...and voila'! Good looking "stuff" came out.

Since I wasn't extremely hungry tonight, I paired it with fresh broccoli and greek yogurt. Saved the bigger meal for lunch on the road tomorrow...a spinach spring mix Asian tofu salad. Broccoli slaw, avocado, sesame sticks, rice noodles, lemon and miso dressing mix pairs nicely with the marinated tofu. I could be a fan!

Quick and delicious Tostada

I escaped the Mexican food craving on Cinco de Mayo, yet found myself dreaming of it today. These healthy chicken tosdadas satisfied the urge but didn't break the caloric bank. Super simple to make and delicious with less than 300 calories per tosdada. And extremely filling I might add! Ingredients: 1 corn tosdado 2 oz chicken breast Handful of organic spring mix 1 tsp greek yogurt Jalepeno peppers 1 tablespoon 2% shredded cheese Pico de gallo spicy mix 1/4 mashed avocado Salsa ENJOY!

Easy, healthy dinner Idea

These salmon kabobs are a quick and simple meal to make and can be baked, broiled or grilled. I chose to bake these at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Dice eggplant, zucchini, squash and salmon, place on skewer, season and drizzle with lemon and voila! Eat alone, over a salad or quinoa to change it up.

Gearing up for your Goals

Its nearly impossible to out train unmindful eating. Similar to spinning wheels in mud. The jumpstart that is needed to kick off your fitness goals begins with nourishing your insides with what it needs to translate to the surface. Yet, it is difficult to commit to. Good, clean food doesn't have to be bland, even when you are on the road. There are always options available. Make the commitment to have compassion for yourself and make one good decision each day until it becomes a habit. Your shorts will thank you for it.

Time-friendly and healthy Breakfast

Breakfast is crucial to your fitness goals! Choosing unhealthy food or skipping it entirely can derail your attempts. Think of the word "breakfast"...it literally means "break the fast." The fast that occurred while you were asleep. Its a jump start for the body and mind. Planning is always important. Check out this egg white breakfast wrap that I made this morning. Half of it is only 250 calories. The other half is wrapped up and packed away for an early lunch on the road. Summer is coming...no excuses ;) Ingredients: 3 egg whites 1 spinach wrap Jalepeno peppers 1/4 cup tomatoes 1 tablespoon guacamole salsa 1 cup spinach 1 slice turkey bacon

Practice makes Progress

Sitting down to write the first post on this particular project has me looking through the notebooks filled articles with recipes, practices and other topics that I have written about for years. Immediately, I began laying out months of content in my head before I took a step back. A step back to sit in silence with no distractions and reflect on why I am embarking on this in the first place. Why I was actually able to take a step back and meditate on it. I am repeatedly reminded that life is a journey and we take small steps from the moment we enter the world. Cliches such as "not putting the cart before the horse" spring to mind. My yoga practice has taught me that practice makes progress....and that perfection is an overrated, unattainable goal. Taking one step at a time and being in the "here and now" as layers unfold is much more important than spending our lives rushing towards the finish line. My intention is that you enjoy what unfolds here layer by layer. Namaste'.