YouTube and Bridal Upate

Hi friends!!

Well, it has been a month since my last post and I thought I'd share a bit about what is going on.  I have oficially started my YouTube channel (TheYogiRD), so be sure to check that out!! I try to keep my main content videos between 5 and 10 minutes, but some recipes require more time (and editing!!)

So far, I am having tons of fun talking to the camera!  I have made a recipe video, but the free video editor I downloaded will not convert the footage into a format that YouTube will accept...so the recipe will be held off a bit longer.  At least until I can figure it all out...

If you follow me on other social media, you may have seen information about a 30 day challenge...well, that one is not running due to lack of participation. I would really like to run this program as I know it can help so many people learn about eating for health instead of aesthetic reasons. So, if you (or someone you know!) is interested, please let me know so I can send you more information.  All of my contact information can be found on my website www.TheYogiRD.org

The second topic I would like to share with you is my BRIDAL YOGA/NUTRITION packages! Feeling and looking great on your wedding day is nothing to sneeze at. In order to look beautiful, you have to feel beautiful from the inside out. That is why I crates these packages! Whether you want just yoga, just nutrition, or a combination of the two; I can create a program just for you!! Visit my website for more information!

Much love!!

My Dream Yoga Retreat

Hi there!

This week's post is going to be a little different. I have been inspired by a project Eventbrite is running where they influencers to share a post about their Dream Yoga Retreat! Naturally, I jumped at this opportunity for two reasons: 1)I love to dream and create events like this and 2) I hope to one day host a Nutrition and Yoga Retreat, so what better time than now to begin brainstorming?!!

Are you ready to jump into my dream world?  All you will need is an open mind and a heart full of love and wonder (that's where every magical journey begins!). All of these ideas and thoughts are completely my own, so let's go!

Location and Duration:

 

• This would be a week-long yoga and nutrition retreat located on a private beach near the mountains of Oahu, Hawaii.
• Soft sands surround the open air bungalow where meals are shared and lectures are held. Leaf-shaped fans keep the Eco-friendly rooms cool.
• Morning yoga classes are held on the beach, sometimes even in the shallow water; afternoon yoga classes are held beneath the canopy of palm trees; and evening classes are held either in the bungalow or on the beach.

Theme:

• I have so many ideas for retreats, but this retreat would focus on women.  
• Classes would focus on women's health and body positivity through nutrition and yoga.
• A spin off of this retreat could be a men's only retreat in which the topics would include body positivity for men as well as men's health.

Yoga Classes:

• Goddess Flow for beautiful bodies
• Yin Yoga to unwind and stretch out
• Cultivating Power for self-love
• and more!

Nutrition Workshops:

• Mindful/Intuitive Eating
• Meditation and Food
• Choosing the "Right" Foods (a class on contemplating "What is healthy?"

As you can see, this is just one step in creating a retreat, but it is one that I hope to come to life one day.  Would you go to a retreat like this?  Let me know in the comments!!

Be sure to check out Eventbrite's Online RSVP page as a way to support local yoga event creation and provide a convenient way to RSVP to yoga event.

A Podcast I have been LOVING!!

Hi friends!

I am very excited to share with you a podcast that I have been absolutely LOVING!

Suzanne is wonderfully well spoken and finds some of the most inspiring and "crush-worthy" (as she would put it!) yoga teachers out there. Be sure to check out her podcast by clicking on her logo above!  And be sure to follow her on social media as well!

As a dietitian and yoga teacher, I have found it can be tough to balance life with work with starting a business.  The people interviewed on this podcast have done that and more!  They have succeeded as entrepreneurs in the world of yoga; a world that can discourage making money as it may seem "un-yogic" to some.  However, spreading the messages of yoga through teaching classes, retreats, and workshops can help so many people find ultimate health and vitality.  This is what inspires me to do what I do:

• The "ah-ha!" moment on a person's face when the message they have been hearing for so long finally clicks.
• The "I just did that?!" look when a person balances in crow pose for the first time.
• The light and joy that fills a person's soul when they learn how to regularly nourish their bodies; both physically and mentally.
• The youthfulness and playfulness that arises from within when practicing yoga or creating a fun new recipe.
• The love and laughter of a shared experience.
• Learning about the passion from within that drives people who love what they do.

I could go on and on, but you see, having my own business helping others to heal their bodies and calm their minds is my ultimate dream.  And you, yes you, are helping me strive for that dream just by reading this post!

I am honored to have found so many teachers, books, blogs, and podcasts to help me down this path.  But, I am most thankful for everyone who has supported me thus far (including you!).

So, if you have not already, check out all of my other social media; Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (links below this post) all at TheYogiRD and let me know What inspires you to do what you do?

Much love!

Interview with Tracy from Tracy's Plate!

Hey there! 

I am starting a monthly series where I interview entrepreneurs of the nutrition world; including Registered Dietitians, Nutritionists, and other health professionals to share with you a behind-the-scenes look of the health field.  So many nutrition professionals have such a passion for health, it sometimes gets overlooked with all the daily business/computer work they are doing.  I am hoping this series opens some doors and sheds some light on why those in the nutrition/health field do what they do.

So, without further adieu, I would like for you to meet my first guest, Tracy Williams!  I met Tracy while we were part of the Hospitality committee through the North Suburban Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  She is a nutrition entrepreneur, freelance writer, and public speaker and is going to share her latest and greatest event! Take it away Tracy!

What brought you to nutrition?

I have been passionate about nutrition education since I was young. When I was a energetic 7 year old, I used to help mom type her flyers for nutrition education for her hypertension class that she taught as a nurse at Cook County Hospital.

What is your favorite part about what you do?

I love meeting new people and listening to their stories after they have attended a nutrition program that I have presented.

Tell me about your latest project.

 I am doing a program for Morton Grove Park District on August 9, 2016.  It is called "Positive Changes to Family Meals".  The program will include positive tips on how to make nutritious meals on the go for your family and is based on current nutrition research. Recipes and tip sheets will be given to be taken home to use for future reference when working together with your family.You can call 847-965-1200 to register. 

If someone was interested in attending, how could they sign up or contact you?

If you want to schedule a nutrition education program, please contact me through my website at www.tracysplate.com. You can also call me at 847-975-3410 or e-mail me at tracywilliams87@gmail.com.  Click here to see the event.

If a kid walked up to asking for your advice and you only had a few minutes to give them your best health tip, what would it be?

Fruits and veggies are your friends. Find a way to move more with your friends. Be a good role model for your younger family members for a healthy lifestyle.      

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I am comfortable to adapt my programs for any audience. I especially like to be a role model for audience members who have overcome personal life challenges. One of my main life challenges is being physically disabled with a condition called cerebral palsy. 

If you or someone you know might be interested in being part of next month's interview, please click here to contact me. 

How to Plan for Organized Chaos!

I have been learning so much lately!

Between my full time job as a corporate dietitian, teaching a weekly yoga class, and creating content for my online course, I have a lot on my plate!

The good news, though, is that I am learning very quickly how to manage my time.  Every minute really counts and I am working on making the most of each second.  That being said, there are plenty of evenings where all I want to do is eat a vegan brownie, have a small glass of red wine, and watch a movie! (Hmmm...I actually did that just last night!)  But, nevertheless, although I am not getting ANY work done during that time, I know it is good for me to do.  If I didn't allow nights like this, I would be burnt out and probably explode...

I know that many of you are in similar shoes.  Life adds up quick!  So, whether its balancing jobs and kids, pets, hobbies, exercise, date night, or just finding time to shower every now and again...here are my top 3 tips to grabbing hold of your life and enjoying the bliss that is organized chaos.

 

After you have this all set up, try to schedule things at least 2 weeks in advance so you have time to plan and prepare accordingly.  Then, as soon as something comes up, put it in your calendar and on your spreadsheet.  If necessary, the spread sheet can be posted as your computer background or printed and stuck to your fridge so your whole family can see when you are busy.  Trust me, the less you have to actually talk about and explain your schedule, the easier it is to plan and enjoy all the little things in life!!

Question of the day:  What is your favorite way to stay organized?  Are you a pen and paper kind of person?  Or do you prefer to keep your life on your phone?  Whether you fit into these categories or have a method of your own, let me know in the comments!

Let Your Inner Child Free

Take some time for yourself this week!

Stretch...

Walk...

Run...

Dance...

Play...

Let your inner child run free!

 

During June, I am implementing the Beta version of my new online community!  Leave a comment with some of the nutrition questions you might have, or a health topic you would like to learn more about.  The first 10 comments get a chance of trying out the next launch of the community in October for 50% off!!