Yoga

Over the past (about) 3 years, I have been getting into yoga. I have tried a few different types of yoga, and have found 'Bikram' to be my favourite. I think many people get turned off of yoga when they attend a class they do not particularly like, so I wanted to share a photo of the type of yoga I do and what I like about it.

Bikram yoga is traditionally done in a Hot Yoga room, but your living room will do just fine. What's great about Bikram is that it requires no equipment (though a mat and towel are nice to have). I suggest attending at least a few instructed Bikram yoga classes so you know what you're doing before you attempt it on your own. This photo is a pretty good display of the proper exercises, but it's still nice to confirm your doing it right in a class. I suggest doing this in front of a mirror if you do it at home. 

I have attended other yoga classes but the reason I like Bikram in particular is that when you go to class, you know exactly what to expect. The exercises will be conducted in this way, for this amount of time. Also, I know when I go I always get a fantastic workout. I much prefer Bikram to meditative yoga. 

Anyway, don't say 'I don't like yoga' without attending a variety of classes. I truly believe that there is a type of yoga for everyone. 

Happy Saturday! It is bright and beautiful out today, I'll be going for a run later. 

By the way: Yoga count = 4

I'm going to be making these later tonight: http://www.cookincanuck.com/2012/01/low-fat-granola-bars-with-bananas-cranberries-pecans-recipe/

I'll let you know how they go! 

Morning Tofu Mash

Recently I have had trouble stomaching eggs. As they are a perfect breakfast food, I needed a substitute.

Tofu has always been my 'go-to' meal when I'm feeling really hungry. This ensures I don't head to carbs.. 1/2 cup tofu (or 1/3 of a package) has 10.1 g of protein, and one egg has 6.0 g of protein. So (as a vegetarian in need of protein) is this a suitable alternative? I think so!

I usually make my Tofu mash with onions or mushrooms, kind of like this:

1 block firm tofu
10 small mushrooms or 1 onion
A few squirts vegetable oil
Garlic
Chives
Oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

But now, by the time I got around to cooking my mushrooms they had gone bad. All I had was tomatoes. So I made a new tofu mash...

1 block firm tofu
1/2 carton cherry tomatoes
A few squirts vegetable oil
Tomato pesto or a few spoonfuls of tomato sauce
A handful of spinach
Salt and pepper to taste

It was great! Filled me up just like a steak.

Juicing to combat sickness

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am a university student, vegetarian, and yoga-doing food addict.

I have created this blog for many reasons. This is a fresh start for me - this is a commitment to healthy thoughts and healthy food.

First of all, though initially challenging to conceive, I am responsible for my happiness. I am attempting to take charge of that. Though I am not what I would describe as 'unhappy', I do find myself sometimes not the most reliable captain of my happiness.

I want to make a commitment to healthy eating and consistent exercise. To hold myself accountable for this, I will be posting at least one of my healthy meals with instructions as to how to cook this meal at least three times a week.

As well, I will become a yoga teacher by the time I graduate (which will be likely 3 years). This means that I will go to yoga at least twice a week, or 100 times by the time I turn 22.

Today I will focus on juicing. This is something I have recently gotten into. My boyfriend got very sick a few weeks ago, and I was concerned I was becoming sick as well. My Dad and I had been to yoga together a few times and he was concerned he would be sick as well. He was leaving for Mexico for a few days, so I headed to Instagram to get some juicing ideas to combat sickness.

I have been following Chaud's Juice Therapy on Instagram (@Chaudsjuicetherapy) and she had some tips to rid of this potentially trip-ruining sickness. Check this out:

Chaud's Juice Therapy 'Staywell' Juice recipe.

2 Oranges
10 Carrots
2 Cloves Garlic
1-2 Inches Ginger

Using a juice extractor, process all ingredients.

If you don't have a juicer, I'm sure a blender would do. It was DELICIOUS. The best part was that I, my boyfriend, and my dad were feeling high energy and less sickly after drinking a big glass of this stuff. The above recipe makes about two regular cups of juice.

Why did this work?

Chaud says, "Beta Carotene in carrot juice boosts the immune systems production of infection fighting natural killer cells and T-cells. The allicin, ajoene and thiosulfinates in garlic are the three powerhouses that are key in it's infection fighting power and both garlic and ginger have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Oranges contain a hard hitting combo of vitamin C and phyto-nutrient bioflavonoids that work as a team to fight off free radicals and keep the body healthy".

So there you go! Next time you feel sick, try this natural and delicious juice. I guarantee you'll feel much better.

It was so delicious and made me feel so good that I've made it numerous times since that day.

 

*Drool* the thought of enjoying this again is making me hungry..

Happy Tuesday everyone!