Mantra Monday: Ardha Chandrasana

This week's mantra:  When life gets tense, take a break and have some fun!

We all have stress in our lives. It is up to us to decide whether or not to make that stress beneficial or harmful to our lives.  Remember, you can't control what other people do, but you can control your reaction.  By reacting in a positive way, everyone's day becomes a little bit brighter.  This week, think about using this mantra to bring some more positivity in your life by finding that silver lining around any negative or stressful event.

This week's Asana:  Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)

• Begin in a standing position.
• With your feet hip's distance apart, begin to take a forward fold.
• If you can not touch the ground, use a block or chair so you have some support.
• When you feel comfortable, begin lifting your right leg off the ground.  Breathe and find your balance.
• Next, begin to stack your hips and reach your right arm towards the sky.  Breathe and find your balance.
• After 5-10 breaths, slowly return to standing and try again on the other side.

Let me know how it goes in the comments!  I'd love to see your pictures on Instagram as well!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 23: Biltmore Estate

Hi Friends!

Today's post is going to be a little bit random.  I for the entirety of these posts, up until today, I have been planning and preparing the topic and pictures I want to post.  Now what it is only 2 days until this challenge is complete, I have stopped preparing.

This says a little about me, as I tend to do this fairly often.  First of all, I am definitely an idea generator.  I can come up with so many ideas in one day, but I rarely follow through with all of them.  That is not to say I never follow through (as I definitely do); I just wait for the perfect opportunity to come to my mind before actually doing anything about it.

Take this blog for example, I've had it for nearly 5 years, but have only just recently started putting content for you (my readers) this past year!  I guess I felt as though I had nothing to say until now haha!

So, enough about me...these posts are supposed to be about the holidays.  So here's what I am going to do.  Since I know we all have a very full plate this time of year, this post will remain short and sweet. AND!!  Since Andrew and I went on our Honeymoon to the Biltmore Estate, I will a leave you with some of the breathtaking pictures (from their website...as pictures were not allowed to be taken of the interior of the home) of the holiday season:

Link for Image

Link for Image

25 Days of Blogging- Day 20: Making a New Years Resolution

Hi fiends!

Do you set New Year’s Resolutions?  Do you follow through with them all year, or does it seem to begin to slip come February or March?

If you are part of the latter group, you are not alone! I am on the same boat, but I have found a few tricks to set better goals that are easy to stick to; they are called SMART goals and are often used in the business world.  I actually learned about this type of goal setting through my schooling to become a dietitian as a way to help future clients meet their health goals.  

25 Days of Blogging- Day 19: Guide to Not Getting Sick

Hi friends!

Today's post is all about combating a cold.  Do you want to know the best way to stop a cold?...

Prevent one!!

All joking aside, this truly is the best way to stop a cold.  During the winter months, colds are more prevalent mostly due to people being in closer proximity to one another for longer periods of time...unlike in the summer when we can get more fresh air and sunshine!!

One of the best way to prevent a cold, besides eating healthy fruits and vegetables (as I mention regularly on this blog...) is...Water!

A river from the forest preserve by my parent's house!  Taken by yours truly!

Proper hydration any time of year is a key to health.  In the winter, we tend to feel as though we do not need to drink as much because we are not sweating from the heat.  As a matter of fact, we may sweat more than we think!  Heating in our cars, homes, and offices dries out the skin, which in turn, leads to dehydration!  

By drinking more water (or at least getting half of your weight (in pounds) in ounces of water per day), your skin will stay hydrated and soft and your immune system will stay strong.  Being well hydrated keeps all systems moving, making you healthier.

Vitamins and Minerals.  We all know that eating more fruits and vegetables is good for us, but do you know why? One of the many reasons plant foods are good for you is because they are a dense source of vitamins and minerals.  These nutrients are essential to health and play a role in practically every aspect of living; including metabolism, brain function, skin elasticity, and more!  All vitamins and minerals will help keep you healthy, but one to keep in mind when it comes to the common cold is zinc.

Zinc plays a large role in immune function.  Between reducing stress on the immune system as well as being a component of antioxidants found in the body, zinc is crucial to health.  Good sources of zinc include whole grains, nuts, and seeds.  Examples include pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, brown rice, and more!

There are so many more aspects that go hand in hand with a healthy immune system; like proper sleep and exercise, but let's save that for a later post, shall we?  I don't want to make these posts too lengthy, unless of course that is what you'd like to see!  Let me know in the comments!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 18: Winter Bride Guide

Hi friends!

As you may already know, this blog is linked to my Nutrition private practice called TheYogiRD. In this business, I help people gain nutrition knowledge and health through nutrition education and/or yoga practice.  If you cannot tell, I am all about a holistic view on health.

Now, since I have had several friends get married this past year, I decided to add a special aspect to my practice and have a section devoted just to brides!!  That means Bridal Nutrition, Bridal Yoga, and two packages that encompass both!!

Nutrition at any time in your life is important, but brides seem to have the drive for extra care.  Who doesn’t want to glow and feel amazing on their wedding day (that includes you grooms!!)?  So, I have created a plan specifically for brides (and their groom or wedding party) for the winter. Skin tends to dry out, high sugar and fat snacks are practically always within an arm’s reach, and exercise just isn’t as fun when it is so cold.

So, here is a sneak peak to my Winter Bride Guide (for being a fan of this blog and therefore an amazing person!!):

Whether you are a winter bride, or just want to stay healthy through winter, make these promises to yourself:

25 Days of Blogging- Day 17: Where's Your Spirit?!

Hi Friends!

I hope you are enjoying this festive season.  I can't believe there are less than 10 days left of this daily blogging challenge!  I am really enjoying writing to you every day, so we will see what happens after December 25th.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, or Hanukkah, or any of the other festivals I mentioned in my last posts, there is something about this time of year that makes everyone just a bit more happy.  Have you noticed it?  People seem to have an extra sparkle in their eye due to all of the festivities.  Maybe its because they get to see their friends and family that they may not always get to see...maybe it's all the festive food and drink...maybe they just love the cold weather (nah, that can't be it! ha!)

Either way, people are happy and that is what makes this world a better place to live. 

I do believe that this time of year also brings out the kid in all of us cranky adults (the world can do that to you...) We remember what it was like to go sledding, we drink hot chocolate with marshmallows, we hug more, we sing songs, and just feel like a kid!  One of the best ways to feel like a kid is to play!

It's a blurry picture, but I'm sure you get the point.  This is me having a blast with my hubby and friends!!

If you take a step back and watch the kids in your life, notice that they don't care about fitting in their exercise regime, they don't stress about what foods they should eat; they simply live and play!  So, I challenge you to get outside with friends and family, young and old, and PLAY!  It doesn't have to be anything crazy strenuous or physically challenging.  Throw a ball, play tag, dance in the living room with holiday music (I do this one all the time :)  Just find an excuse to have fun let your inner child shine though. 

What do you do to let your inner child out?  Let me know in the comments!

25 Days of blogging- Day 16: A Toast to Health

Hi Friends!   

Today’s post is both a recipe and a bit of history!  I am really excited about this because I had heard about this recipe years ago, but never really knew if it were as beneficial and delicious as I had heard about.   

Well, I am here today to share with you this delicious and healthy tea that you can make out of something in your own back yard! Unless you live in a warm climate, then it may be a bit more difficult for you…  Prepare this tea with caution though.  As with all herbal remedies and teas, be sure to check with your doctor or dietitian (I would love to help!) to make sure that this tea is safe for you to consume (I am referring to interactions with medications you may be taking or if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant).

Now, there are many claims out there saying Pine Needle tea can cure basically anything, but one thing is for certain; pine needle tea is very high in vitamin C!  This is great news because during the winter months in the north, fresh produce (where an abundance of vit. C lives) is not so good.  Research on vitamin C is still on the fence about whether or not this vitamin plays a role in preventing colds, but it is for certain that vitamin C plays a role collagen formation (meaning healthy skin and tissues) as well as protein metabolism and a strong antioxidant.  If you don’t already know, antioxidants are what protect us from things like pollution and boosts our immune system.

Pine needles have been consumed in native cultures for thousands of years, making it quite difficult to spot the fact from the fiction in terms of health claims.  Either way, this is quite a tasty and comforting cup of tea; making it perfect for winter time and holidays!  Check out this article for more information.

Now on to the recipe!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 15: Holiday Weight Gain

Hi Friends!  We have officially gotten through 14 days of festivities that occur around the globe!  In case you missed one (or want to read through them again), this link will take you back to Day 2, for the first festival!  Let me know if you try any of the recipes shared thus far as well!!

Now, onto today’s topic:  Holiday Weight Gain.   

It is old news, really.  Many people go through the holidays eating loads of “special occasion” foods that tend to be not-so-good for our health or waistline.  Years ago, I followed this same path.  I would splurge on all of the desserts that I loved (I could honestly make a meal out of sweets if I thought it were healthy).  I would also feel uncomfortable that evening and a few days thereafter as my body worked in overdrive to clear out my blood and absorb the miniscule amount of nutrients it could find.  Now-a-days, it is a much different story...

 I have learned how to enjoy myself, feel good, and eat until I am satisfied!  Sounds too good to be true right?  Well, from my experience it is not.  But, you do have to love foods that love you back, and that can take some time if your taste buds are used to over-salted or over-sweetened, over-processed foods.  

 My number one tip to avoiding holiday weight gain: eat the whole plant foods in abundance first.  Then, if you are still craving some not-so-healthy treats (after your stomach is full of all the fiber and water from the healthy foods), go for it.  After eating like this for a few days or weeks, you may notice that you naturally begin to reach for those fresh whole foods instead of the other foods. 

 Now, since it is the holidays, be sure to enjoy yourself and don’t let a little thing like food get in the way of spending precious time with your family and friends.  The holidays can be stressful or blissful; it is all about how you view it and how you change your perception to see the bright side in all situations.

25 Days of Blogging - Day 14: Yule

Hi Friends!

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, today is the last day of festivals as I have had a hard time finding enough for the full 25 days.  But don't fret!  I have some great recipes, yoga practices, and more for you over the next 11 days!!

On to today's post: 

Yule is a pagan festival that originated in Germany during the Middle Ages.  The term "Yuletide" is said to have originated in 1475!  In modern times, those who still celebrate Yule do so in many different ways according to their beliefs and practices.  This festival originally lasted 12 days during the end of December, but in some practices, has been shortened to 1-3 days. 

As for food traditions, pagan celebrations often follow seasonal items.  So, for this season, foods like fruit cakes, dried fruit, nuts, apples, spices, beans, and oranges are common choices.  That being said, one of the most common (and popular)  items at a Yule celebration must include Wassail.  Basically, wassail is either a spiced and warmed wine or juice.  This recipe makes a spiced and warmed juice:

Wassail Recipe
Ingredients:
8 cups apple juice or cider
2 cups cranberry juice
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp allspice
2 cinnamon sticks
1 orange
whole cloves


Directions
Turn the crockpot on high and pour in the apple and cranberry juices. Stir in the sugar and allspace, then add cinnamon sticks. Note:  You can also warm this over a low flame for a quicker cooking method.  Stud the orange with the cloves... about 25 or 30 cloves should do the trick.. and toss it in. Cover the pot and cook on high for 1 hour. Change the setting to low and allow to simmer for 3 more hours, then serve.

25 Days of Bloggging- Day 13: Omisoka

Hi friends!

Today's festival is a very important holiday in Japan because it marks the end of an old year and the eve of the new. 

At 11pm on this evening, family and friends gather to have a bowl of toshikoshi-soba (年越しそば) or toshikoshi-udon (年越しうどん).  This tradition relates to the association in which long noodles representing a crossing over from one year to the next. 

Before we get on to the recipe, I just want to let you all know that tomorrow is the last festival post as I am having a hard time finding more.  If you know of a winter holiday/festival that I have not yet covered, please leave a comment below and I will be sure to include it in the 25 Days of Blogging series!!

Now, onto the recipe!:

Ingredients:
Noodle soup
1.5l dashi stock (the base used for miso soup- can contain fish, so although not traditional, you can substitute vegetable stock)
200ml soy sauce
100ml mirin
1tbsp sugar
300ml tsuyu (optional)

Noodles
200g soba buckwheat noodles
100g spring onions
20g tempura flakes

Recipe and Picture Link

Directions:

1. In a large pan, make your dashi stock. Next, add the mirin and simmer gently for a few minutes. Now add the sugar and let it dissolve before adding the soy sauce. This makes the soup for your soba noodles.
2. In separate pan bring 1l of water to the boil. Add the soba, stir them slightly to make sure they’re all spread out around the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for around 8 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your noodles, so check the instructions on the packet.
   
3. Drain the noodles and rinse them in cold water, gently rubbing the noodles to remove any excess starch on the surface. Next, thinly slice the spring onions and any other garnishes.
4. Gently re-heat the stock and pour into bowls, then add the noodles and garnish with your spring onions and tempura flakes.

25 Days of Blogging- Day 11: Kwanzaa

Hi friends!

Today's celebration is Kwanzaa.  It is a week long celebration from December 26th through January 1st and honors African heritage in African-American culture.  The unique aspect of this festival is that it has seven core principles that celebrants abide by and each of the seven days is dedicated to one of these principles:

1. Unity (Umoja)
2. Self-determination (Kujichagulia)
3. Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima)
4. Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa)
5. Purpose (Nia)
6. Creativity (Kuumba)
7. Faith (Imani)

During this week, there are many decorations, bright colors, music, and of course a feast!  Traditional foods include traditional African dishes as well as dishes that include ingredients brought to the US from Africa; such as sesame seeds, peanuts, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and spices.

One very traditional African recipe is Peanut Soup.  Like many traditional foods, each home makes their own version.  This version is from Congo Cookbook.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 cups broth
• one small onion, minced
• one small green pepper, minced
• one clove garlic, minced
• salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste
• one hot chile pepper, minced (optional)
• one carrot, minced, or one sweet potato (boiled and mashed)
• one or two tomatoes, minced
• one cup natural unsweetened peanut butter (or crush your own peanuts)

Directions:

• If using homemade peanut paste, simmer it with the broth for fifteen minutes, then add all other ingredients and simmer over low heat until everything is thoroughly cooked. Stir often. Soup should be thick and smooth.
• If using peanut butter: Combine all ingredients except the peanut butter and simmer over medium heat until everything is tender. Reduce heat, add the peanut butter and simmer for a few minutes more. Stir often. Soup should be thick and smooth.

This recipe is a very comforting and delicious meal!!  Let me know what you think!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 10: Boxing Day

Hi Friends!

I am getting used to this daily blogging thing!  I hope you are all enjoying reading it as much as I am researching and writing it!!  Please leave a comment for me, letting me know your favorite post thus far.  I really love getting comments...they make my whole day!!

Now, on to today's festival:  Boxing Day!  This celebration traditionally follows the day after Christmas (so December 26th on the Gregorian calendar), when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts known, as a Christmas box, from their employers.

This tradition began as early as the Middle Ages and is still a custom in some countries including Canada, Australia, England, and Ireland.

I could not find many recipes for this holiday, as it revolves around giving a gift.  So here's my gift to you:   

 5 people who subscribe to either this blog or my main website will receive a signed copy of my book, Medieval Feats and Marvelous Treats!!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 8: Hanukkah

Hi Friends!

Today's festival is celebrated in many different countries, and there are many traditions and customs involved.  I am talking about Hanukkah, an 8 day Jewish holiday to celebrate the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the 2ns century BCE.

This holiday lands on the 25th Kislev on the Hebrew calendar.  Some rituals include lighting one candle on the Menorah on each of the 8 nights, signing songs, reciting psalms, and exchanging presents.

One of the most famous of the traditional foods is the potato latke, right next to matzo, that is.

Here's a whole list of latke recipes, with a vegan recipe (and picture) below:

Picture and Recipe Link

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup quick-cooking oats or quinoa flakes
• 6 medium-large potatoes, grated
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 medium onion, grated
• ½ cup matzo meal (or ½ cup additional quinoa flakes)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• Safflower or other high-heat vegetable oil for frying
• Applesauce and Vegan sour cream, optional

Directions:

In a heatproof bowl, combine the oats or quinoa flakes with 1½ cups boiling water. Stir and set aside while preparing the other ingredients.

Use a food processor to make the grating of the potatoes, carrot, and onion, much easier and quicker!

Combine the grated potato, carrot, and onion, and matzo meal in a mixing bowl. Stir in the oatmeal, then season with salt and pepper.

To fry: Heat just enough oil to coat the bottom of a large, nonstick skillet or griddle. Drop enough potato batter to form 2½- to 3-inch pancakes. Fry on both sides over medium-high heat until golden brown and crisp (alternatively, see baked variation following).

To bake: See Baked Latkes variation below recipe box.

Drain briefly on paper towels and place in a covered container to keep warm until serving. Serve warm with applesauce and the optional sour cream.

Read more at http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/vegan-latkes-potato-pancakes/#emFx8XF5M6Zvu8U3.99

25 Days of Blogging- Day 6: St. Lucia Day

Hi Friends!

Today's festival is a Swedish tradition celebrated on December 13th.  St. Lucia's Day comes from stories told by the Monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden.  More of the traditions of this holiday come from the story, rather than food (but there is a good recipe I'll share with you!)

The story goes like this:
Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred in 304 AD.  She would secretly bring food to persecuted Christians in Rome.  In order to keep her hands free to carry things, she would wear candles on her head.
In today's world, Lucia is celebrated by a girl wearing a white dress with a red sash around her waist and a crown of candles on her head.  The crown is made of lingonberry branches to symbolize new life in winter.

A popular dish eaten are Lussekatts, which are St. Lucia's Day buns flavored with saffron and dotted with raisins and to be eaten at breakfast.

Recipe and Picture Link

This recipe is from Sweden, so the measurements are by weight and not in volume measurements...

Ingredients:

• 150g dairy free butter
• 500ml dairy free milk
• 50g dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1g saffron powder
• 1.3L plain flour
• raisins or sultanas

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 250C/ 480 degrees F
2. Melt the butter and add the milk to it. Heat until warm with the saffron (37C / 98F)
3. Dissolve the yeast with the milk/butter liquid in a big bowl. Add salt, sugar and around 2/3 of the plain flour.
4. Work the dough until shiny and add more of the flour as needed; saving 1-2dl (½-3/4cup) for the rolling of the dough later on. 
5. Sprinkle with flour and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Leave to rise in room temperature with out a drag until the dough has doubled in size. (approx. 45-60min)
6. Once your dough has risen, put it on a floured work bench and cut into 30-40 pieces.
7. Roll each piece into a sausage shape as thick as a finger and shape into the classic lussekatt-shape. (or shape of your choice, but remember that size will effect how long it has to be baked.)
8. Place evenly on oven trays with baking paper and leave to rise until they almost double in size.
9. Brush with dairy free milk and gently push a raisin/sultana in each swirl on the buns.
10. Bake each tray in the middle of the pre-heated oven for 8-10 minutes. Until just golden.
11. Enjoy your Swedish Saffron Buns.

I hope you enjoy and don't forget to check out The Vegan Swedes, where I found this recipe!!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 5: Fiesta of Our Lady Guadalupe

Hi friends!

Today's festival is a Mexican-Catholic holiday beginning the week before December 12th.  Celebrations go all the way to the eve of December 12th, when the height of the celebration happens.  On this day, conchero dancers gather in the atrium of the church Basilica of Ville Madero.  Here, there is dancing, music, and singing to honor the Señora de Guadalupe.

 One of the many traditional recipes enjoyed on this day (December 12th) is Sopa de Espinaca (Spinach Soup).  This traditional soup has an additional special ingredient...macaroni noodles!


Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb spinach
• 1/4 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1.2 onion, minced
• 1/2 can tomato paste
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Boil the spinach and macaroni separately, then rinse and drain. 
2. Brown the onions in oil, then add the tomato sauce.  Stir and let simmer for 2 minutes, then add the broth.  
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the macaroni.
4. Add spinach and simmer 5 minutes.  
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve!