Tag: yoga lifestyle

Be the Change

by happycatie, posted in Happy, Yoga
Tree Pose
Tree Pose

Day 17 of the #plantfueledyoga challenge breaks down the myth that one person can’t make a difference. 

The greatest innovation starts with a single idea. The best made product begins with a prototype. The biggest mansion gets built nail by nail. Everything you do starts with a single step, made by  You. You do not know the power you have until you yourself believe in it.

In Sarah and my quest to spread the plant-based diet gospel, we truly believe one person can make a colossal difference in the greater state of the world.  A ripple effect that starts small and gets larger and larger and before you know it you can see the effect miles away.

Today, we break down the walls of ‘It doesn’t really matter in the long run…’

The Myth: I’m only one person. I can’t make a difference.


The Reality: A person who follows a plant-based vegan diet produces 50% less CO2, and uses 1/11th the oil, 1/13th the water, and 1/18th the land compared to a meat eater. We CAN make a difference, simply by eating less animal products and replacing them with plants.

Why not give a plant-based diet a try? Hell, even making one day meatless can make a huge impact. Not only are plants amazingly healthy and cruelty free, but the carbon foot print left or lack there of is astronomical.

Here’s a great article delving a bit deeper into the subject.

Today’s Connection Yoga Pose: Tree Pose 

This pose not only makes you feel strong, balanced, but grounded. Rooted to the earth. Connected to your surrounding.

Stand strong and bring your hands to your heart center. Lift your right heel to your calf. Breathe here and root down. Slowly raise your foot to your inner thigh. Raise your arms above your head and stretch. Breathe here and know you have the ability to make an impact in this world.

Namaste

 

Great Rumbling Roars: Top 5 foods for digestion

by happycatie, posted in Happy, Nutrition, Yoga

Welcome to Day 10 of the #plantfueled yoga challenge, thus beginning our digestion & breathing series.

If you’ve ever heard the expression to listen to your gut, this post quite literally lets you know how to communicate with your innards. The health of your insides can be measured by how good your gut is – with a country that’s riddled with GI issues, it’s really important to pay attention and pamper your digestive track.

For the next 3 days, Sarah and I will delve into your digestion (ummmm, is that weird!?) and explore Yoga practices and poses that delve into your breathe and the calming effects each can have on your overall well-being.

Today, we explore a few common kitchen staples that help aid in your digestion:

Top 5 plant-based foods that aid in digestion

  1. Kombucha – A fermented tea that has live culture, this powerfully potent tea is full of probiotics and enzymes that help break down gnarly food. Is it a cure all? No, but it’s good to add to the digestive mix!
  2. Ginger – Ginger in food, or ideally as a strong tea, helps stimulate saliva, bile and gastric juice production to aid in digestion.  Yummmm! Try adding a natural ginger tea to your pre or post meal.
  3. Chia seeds – An anti-inflammatory, chia seeds contain a high amount of soluble and insoluble amounts of fiber and they draw water to them, in turn helping to clean out the digestive tract. Natures broom if you will!
  4. Apple cider vinegar – Full of good acids, ACV can help improve your intestinal flora as it has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Who wants a fungus in their gut!? Gross!
  5. Garlic – Do I need to state how awesome garlic is!? As medicinal purposes go, garlic can destroy harmful bacteria in your intestins and is great for helping inflammation.

Treat your gut right – and always listen to what it’s tellin you!

Just breathe
Just breathe

 

Your breathe Yoga challenge of the day: Lions breathe

Here’s s a great video that walks you through: Roar!!! http://youtu.be/xdUyHPa66A4

Guts & Core: Day 5 of the #ckyogachallenge

by happycatie, posted in Happy, Nutrition, Yoga

I’ve been traveling this week, which can make sticking to a routine a bit tough. But not impossible and certainly not a valid excuse to get off track. The first few days of the #ckyogachallenge have gone smashingly, so I hope you’re enjoying it as much as Katie and I are. Yesterday kicked off Day 4 and began our Core Segment. Having had to travel and being in almost back to back meetings, I wasn’t able to write a blog post detailing the day’s Yoga Pose (Boat Pose) or talk about the crucial importance of hydration (yesterday’s nutritional tip). But, today’s a new day, so I’m getting a head start on my core!

So, beyond the six-pack abs strengthening your core with exercises such as Yoga improves your over-all health. How so? By strengthening the muscles surrounding your spine, you’re ensuring balance, better alignment and less likelihood to develop chronic back pain.

Today’s pose (Day 5) incorporates yesterday’s pose, Boat Pose, and adds the oblique muscles.

Crunch It

There are several different variations to the Yoga Crunch, so try a few different variations. Check out my Instagram post for one variation. If you have back problems, make sure your lower back is constantly supported here and if there is any pain, stop!

How Healthy is Your Gut?
How Healthy is Your Gut?

Today’s Nutritional Tip delves into tips that can help support a strong core (or gut). Chinese & Indian medicine focuses on the health of your gut – many of our ailments can be traced back to your gut! So, here are a few tips to help strengthen, heal, and maintain your gut health.

  1. One of your guts main jobs is to prevent foreign objects from getting digested into the body. Anything that the body can’t use or is considered harmful, will go straight out. If you’re having stomach issues, take note of what you’re eating (and what’s not serving your gut!)
  2. If you have gut issues, try to avoid beans and grains, as they are high in fiber and may be impacting your gut reaction. Stick to veggies, fruits, soups.
  3. Adding fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, miso, kimchi) can help with your probiotics. These help to regulate gut health, plus pull metals from the body. Win-win!

Your health begins in your gut, so be aware of what’s not making it feel great. Take care of yourself, your body and your well-being.

Happy Core Strengthening!