tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57860618661090749092024-03-13T02:30:29.074+00:00Green+AquamarineGreen+Aquamarine is a health, fitness and wellbeing blog by Eleanor MayC. Click here for you're healthiest, happiest and most sustainable you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-14858682366240064892016-07-21T11:00:00.000+01:002016-07-21T11:00:09.902+01:00Practicing Yoga During a Heatwave<br />
I often wonder what other countries think about us Brits in summer; the second we get any continental weather we really seem to struggle! I tend to go on the principle that as hot weather is such a rarity that I refuse to complain, but it can be uncomfortable to say the least. Whilst we can strategically open windows at night and keep curtains closed all day long, certain aspects of our day -particularly anything involving movement -can be difficult. Runs become an early morning affair, gym and studio air con is a must, but what about home yoga practice? Trying to lunge into a deep stretch whilst your tight leggings are gripping to your sweaty skin is hardly the most zen of experiences. However, the last thing that I want to do is let my yoga practice slip during a heat wave -if anything, it makes me want to practice even more! Beachside yoga anyone? I've complied my top suggestions for keeping your yoga flowing during the heat, with some tips that can also be applied to any home workout.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Start Early</i></b></span><br />
Traditionally, Sun Salutations are supposed to be practiced at or before dawn anyway (see my guest post all about it here), so setting your alarm back to first light -or as close to it as you can manage - lets you both connect with tradition and avoid the heat. Start gently to let your body wake up whilst enjoying the early morning sunshine. Keep a glass of warm water or herbal tea to the side to keep you hydrated, then after <i>Shavasana</i> have a well deserved breakfast!<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Check your Wardrobe</i></b></span><br />
In hot weather, my usual go-top thick, opaque leggings no longer cut it. Instead, I opt for shorts, thinner leggings (try Teeki, Dharma Bums and Liquido Active) or my Bohemian Island harem pants. These light fabrics don't impart movement and let your skin breath. Wear a thin fitted vest (floaty tops that don't stay up when in downward dog are just too annoying!) or rock the yoga bra on it's own.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Embrace the Heat</i></b></span><br />
Yoga has come from a country known for its hot climate and you may well have also practiced hot yoga far above average UK temperatures. Instead of trying to avoid the heat, go with it and enjoy the benefits of the raised temperatures on helping your muscles to relax and stretch. Just remember not to jump straight into a deep splits before you've warmed up and prepared you muscles for it!<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Take it Slow</i></b></span><br />
Instead of trying to keep up with your normal Vinyasa routine, try a more yin-style class. Slow down your routine and enjoy holding and surrendering into postures, holding for a few deep breaths or even a few minutes. This is a more gentle way of utilising the heat to relax into stretches, and will leave you feeling lighter and more comfortable post-practice.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i style="background-color: white;">Skip the Ice</i></b></span><br />
Iced drinks and sticking your toes into a bowl of cold water may feel amazing initially, but they can send signals to your brain that your body is cold, resulting in your body employing methods to warm you back up again -leaving you even hotter. Try to keep your drinks closer to room temperature , or at least not completely ice cold. You'll feel much more refreshed this way, but don't let this tip stop you from enjoying a cheeky ice cream now and then!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-82279970691950395682016-07-18T07:00:00.000+01:002016-07-18T07:00:21.294+01:00Wellness Routine | Five things I do in a Morning for a Great Day<br />
Being someone without regular job hours -between being a student and holiday work, I never know what to expect -it is pretty important to me to cultivate a sense of routine to my mornings. I try and work in healthy habits that set me up for the day. Having a fairly regular morning really makes a difference to my day and ensures that I don't spend all day in my pyjamas doing nothing, or rushing to work last minute. If your mornings go by in a mad rush, I've broken my AM's down into five key tips, which you may wish to adopt to help improve the rest of your day.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">1. Wake up Early, and Consistently</span></b><br />
The earlier I can wake up (comfortably! I need eight hours sleep) the better I feel. It gives me more time in my morning to get all my jobs and such done in a more relaxed fashion. At the moment I aim for around 6:30, but I'd love to be one of those people who could raise with ease before 6. However, as I get to bed for between 10:30 and 11 in the evening, so any sooner than that and I wouldn't be getting enough sleep.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>2. Start Fresh</b></span><br />
I know it's a cliche, but I love to start my day with lemon water. I chop up half a lemon, some ginger and maybe turmeric and pop them in to my teapot for a few refreshing cups to wake me up, caffeine-free. It's essential for starting the day with plenty of hydration, so that even if I don't get to drink enough later, I've already had some liquid in. I'm trying to get into the habit of oil pulling whilst I'm making my lemon water. I was sent some sachets of <a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/cocowhite-coconut-oil-60002536?brandId=1131" target="_blank">Cocowhite</a>* coconut oil formulated for oil pulling to try, which are handily portioned up already. Whilst it is a bit of a luxury item -you can just use a jar of coconut oil or olive oil to the same effect -it does mean that I can pop the sachet of oil at my bedside to remind me to take it, and it is also great for oil pulling whilst travelling.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>3. Stretch</b></span><br />
Although ideally I would start my day with an hour's yoga practice before breakfast, in reality this doesn't often work out. However, I do really try to start with a few Sun Salutations, and I have been quite converted to tapping and shaking (see here). I feel so much better about my day when it starts this way, and is a really good thing to do if you spend your day sitting down. If you start your day with a workout, schedule five or ten minutes to stretch at the end of your sweat session.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>4. Have a Balanced Meal</b></span><br />
Although there's nothing wrong with having a delayed breakfast or brunch if you're not hungry first thing, making sure that I have a balanced breakfast that contains fats, proteins and ideally some veg keeps me going all morning. Smoothies and porridges are my go-to, but I love my avocado on toast or eggs for a savoury start to the day. It's nice to hang fire on breakfast until after I have done some some yoga or the gym, although in the case of when I go to the gym before work, that doesn't happen. For super early starts, a green smoothie with added fats and proteins, such as chia seeds, peanut or almond butter and a bit of protein powder or Greek yoghurt are perfect for sticking in my bag to have later.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>5. Take a Few Minutes</b></span><br />
This is possibly the hardest part of my morning to implement, but having a few minutes away from social media and the internet to enjoy my breakfast mindfully or read makes mornings feel so much calmer and enjoyable. It's been slightly compromised at the moment by fitting in a few minutes of German practice on my phone, but at least it's still slightly better than mindless scrolling of Facebook!<br />
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<i>*Donotes PR sample. All thoughts and opinions are my own. The Cocowhite tooth whitening oil sachets were kindly sent to me by Holland and Barrett.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-4875246511334238742016-07-11T07:00:00.000+01:002016-07-11T07:00:04.653+01:00Cricket Flour: Food of the Future or Freaky Trend?<br />
You've probably heard it mentioned in TV documentaries and internet article, but the latest superfood, with added shock factor and persuasively called "the food of the future" is insects. Specifically crickets. Although crickets, locusts, ants and many other six-legged arthropods have been eaten in many cultures across the world (with 2.5 billion people** thought to be regularly consuming them), the thought of insect-based foods, in any incarnation, tends to send those of us in more western cultures retching and running for the hills. Considering that we have evolved to be wary of the unknown, it is understandable -that's why crustaceans and shellfish can be off-putting, even in a society where these foods are eaten, albeit less often than conventional meats. However, the growing demand to produce protein sources that take up less water, food and energy has resulted in insect production becoming a potential solution to that problem -a solution that has been backed by the UN.<br />
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Although not technically even vegetarian, crickets may seem to be a more ethical choice, with the adult lifespan of a cricket being just a few days or weeks, and the crickets themselves being lower -or less intelligent and complex -lifeforms. Of course, that isn't to say that as a consequence the crickets lives don't matter, but it is something to consider.<br />
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In terms of mass production, the biggest obstacle is probably the way in which the cricket is sold. Attempting to eat a cricket that still looks as it does when it was alive can be somewhat off-putting, and so grinding the crickets up into a flour is a more palatable option as well as more versatile. Said to have a mild, nutty flavour, cricket flour can partially replace conventional flour when making recipes. More delicate recipes such as baking cakes may not turn out so well with large amounts of cricket flour being used, whereas recipes that use flour as a binder -such as my <a href="http://greenandaquamarine.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/aubergine-power-balls-with-courgetti.html" target="_blank">aubergine power balls</a> -can probably take a little bit more of the cricket flour. <br />
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One of the easiest ways to use cricket flour is in making energy or proteins bars, and there are already a few brands selling them. <a href="http://sensbar.com/" target="_blank">SENS bar</a>*, a soon-to-be-released line of cricket flour-based food, sent me their energy and protein bars to try. The energy bars are based on dates as the primary ingredient, followed by cricket flour, with fibre-rich psyllium husks reducing a blood sugar spiked. The protein bars have nearly three times as much cricket flour as the energy bars, alongside sesame seeds or peanuts and cocoa butter. I found that the protein bars were noticeably drier and less flavoursome than the energy bars -perhaps one to eat alongside a drink -but neither made me feel as though I was eating insects, which was a relief!<br />
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So far I've been looking at cricket flour and insect production on primarily an environmental level, but how much good does it do you? Initially, the high protein content seems great, but as it is still undergoing testing and evaluation by the food standards agency, we don't actually know how well our bodies can synthesis it. Currently, the fungus <i>Fustarium venenatum</i> -more commonly known as Quorn -is the top vegetarian/non meat protein source**. Concerns regarding the consumption of insects (and other arthropods such as scorpions) includes the risk of consuming venom, foreign proteins causing allergic reactions, and allergens present in the insect feed causing allergic reactions. At the present, people with allergies to shellfish are recommended not to try insects and cricket flour until there has been further studies analysed and published.<br />
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The good thing about cricket flour is that as a pure, single ingredient product, risk of reactions are easier to monitor, and crickets do not produce venom. So as long as you feel as though you aren't at risk of any reactions due to allergies or poor digestion, I personally don't see any reason why you shouldn't try cricket flour (although please do your own research of course!). At the present, insects are defined as a "novel food" and require further research and studies. So although the jury is still currently out, spending you pennies on an insect protein bar, or buying your own flour, you can get a taste of what may well be the food of the future, and help to fund research. I may not be quite ready to look a locust in the eye before eating it, or sprinkle ants over my Pad Thai as a colleague did, but there may well be a place in my pantry for cricket flour.<br />
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So where can you get your hands on insect products if you're ready to try entomophagy? Beyond SENS bars, you can buy the flour from independent online retailers such as <a href="http://www.cricketflours.com/" target="_blank">Cricket Flours</a> or Amazon. If you don't feel like doing the work yourself, there are also a few insect restaurants starting to pop up, such as the <a href="http://www.grubkitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank">Grub Kitchen</a> in Pembrokeshire.<br />
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* <i>Denotes PR sample. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to SENS bar for the samples, and for causing me to finally have a look into this current topic!</i><br />
<i>** <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/multimedia/pdfs/board/fsa111110.pdf" target="_blank">Source</a></i><br />
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<i>In this new series I'll be recommending yoga classes and studios in cities and towns, based on my own experience and local insider knowledge. If you know of any yoga studios that deserve some recognition, let me know!</i><br />
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Thanks to visiting Stuart at least once a term I have had the opportunity to try a few yoga classes out from around the city of Oxford. Despite not being a huge city, Oxford has a lot going on, with two universities -one of which being the oldest and one of the most prestigious in the country -tourists, shopping centres, independent businesses and a whole lot of culture. For an out of the city, alternative location, you have two main options: Summertown, the highly desirable area to the north of the city, and Cowley, a more cosmopolitan and student-y area. Whilst not strictly related to yoga, if you do find yourself near Summertown you have to try the <a href="http://www.modernbaker.com/" target="_blank">Modern Baker</a>, an organic bakery, shop and cafe that sells delicious and healthy baked goods and all the latest whole foods, including items from Rude Health, Pip and Nut and Primrose's Kitchen. Although the main yoga studio in Summertown has shut down, <a href="http://kristinehomoki.webs.com/" target="_blank">Kristine Homoki</a>, who teaches a beautiful Core Strength Vinyasa class teaches at Wolfson College on Wednesday evenings. Core Strength Yoga is a form of yoga pioneered by <a href="http://sadienardini.com/" target="_blank">Sadie Nardini</a>, who is definitely a yoga rockstar.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.yogaquota.com/" target="_blank">Yoga Quota</a></span></div>
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In Cowley, you have a variety of organic shops and holistic wellbeing centres that offer yoga, but the main place to go is <a href="http://yogavenue.co.uk/" target="_blank">Yoga Venue</a>. A purpose-built studio with a hot room and Vinyasa room, Yoga Venue has lots of room for it's packed schedule. The Vinyasa classes are based on Green Lotus Yoga, a strengthening and mindful form of yoga. However, you can also find Bikram-inspired classes, Fierce Grace, restorative and Jivamukti amongst others. I checked in for a 7am Vinyasa class that although officially unheated, was held in the insulated hot yoga room and the heat from a class full of of yogis soon had me sweating and flowing into poses, perfect for starting the day.<br />
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Closer to the city centre, you have <a href="http://www.yogaquota.com/" target="_blank">Yoga Quota</a> and <a href="http://www.sweatybetty.com/" target="_blank">Sweaty Betty</a>. Yoga Quota is located above the popular Turl Street Kitchen and is a great charitable company -for every 50 people who pay for a class, a free class is taught to an underprivileged group. Yoga Quota's main classes are Vinyasa and a Baptise-inspired flow. There's a gentle class on a Saturday in case you find yourself nursing a sore head, and newly launched is Yin and Tonic, a restorative yin class with adjustments and massage built in to the class. It sounds amazing and I would love to try it! I recommended Yoga Quota to a friend whilst she was in the throws of revision and she ordered herself a yoga mat straight afterwards.<br />
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Sweaty Betty is great for trying a variety of classes, and is one of the least expensive options out there -if you're a Sweaty Betty member you can go to their Saturday Vinyasa class for free. There's also Ashtanga and Kundalini yoga on offer, alongside pilates, barre and circuit training for something a little bit different. Just beware spending more than you planned when you pass through the Sweaty Betty shop!<br />
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I hope this helps you should you find yourself in Oxford -what other cities would you like to know about?<br />
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We all know that we should meditate, but it isn't always the easiest thing to get into a habit of. I have always had an awareness of meditation, being introduced to mindfulness by my parents in my early teens, but it is only recently that I've started to get into any kind of habit with it. For the real benefits of meditation to be felt, regular exercise is required, so to properly buck up my half hearted practice I joined up to Mala Collective's latest meditation challenge. It came just at the right time as I've been a bit busy and run down lately. I've had a couple of amazing weekends away, at the <a href="http://greenandaquamarine.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/the-health-blog-awards-2016.html" target="_blank">Health Blog Awards</a> and at my boyfriend's Commemoration Ball in Oxford, but it's meant that that life has been a bit non-stop recently. It seems a bit silly to be talking about being tired and overwhelmed after <a href="http://greenandaquamarine.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/om-yoga-balance-vs-burnout.html" target="_blank">writing a blog post</a> about using yoga and wellbeing techniques to combat stress and burnout, but there you go. Practicing what I preach is, of course, central to Green+Aquamarine, but I'm not perfect and sometimes life catches up with you unexpectedly. I've made some practical solutions to look after myself, such as swapping shifts to have two days off in a row and ensuring that I get plenty of yoga done, even at the expense of gym sessions. However, following a guided meditation series has really helped me to start back at square one and make time for just ten minutes of quality self-love.<br />
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Meditation has both physical and mental benefits. Blood pressure can be reduced with regular practice, and the effects of combating stress by increasing serotonin and decreasing cortisol help to improve the immune system and boost energy. Moreover, these effects can help those with anxiety, reduce tension-related pain such as headaches and increase your creativity, intuition and happiness (<a href="http://www.artofliving.org/meditation/meditation-for-you/benefits-of-meditation" target="_blank">source</a>). Taking this time to step back in with yourself and reconnect is so important, and I love how many of my yoga teachers incorporate meditation in their classes as well as the end <i>Shavasana</i>.<br />
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Getting started with a meditation practice can be tricky though. Generally, I find popping on a timer for ten minutes and focusing on my breath, or counting my way through mala beads helps. However, for building up a regular practice, I have found guided meditation so helpful, as it aids you in setting a focus and builds up all the key points to a successful meditation practice. As I mentioned earlier in the post, I have been using Mala Collective's week-long challenge, all lead by the calming Natalie Rousseau. However, there are lots of other guided meditations out there. The Independent listed their <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/the-10-best-meditation-apps-8947570.html" target="_blank">ten best meditation apps</a>, including one to help you sleep, and Mind Body Green has a course of <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/classes/5-guided-meditations" target="_blank">five guided meditations</a> that should help get you started.<br />
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I would love for you to join me on my journey into making meditation part of mine and your routine. Sign up to one of the guided meditations, or go it alone and try practicing for a few minutes every day of a week and tell me how you found it. Remember to get in a comfortable position on the floor or a chair (sit on a cushion or block if you're sat cross-legged to avoid aches). Without forcing anything, take deep breaths, and make a mantra if you wish. Then let me know in the comments below or on Instagram how you found it!<br />
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Namaste xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-16429270483929494352016-06-30T07:00:00.000+01:002016-06-30T07:00:18.838+01:00Om Yoga | Balance vs Burnout<br />
In our modern day lives, with work, education, health, family and other commitments all vying for our time, it is hardly surprising that many of us describe ourselves as frequently stressed. Whilst stress can be a good thing -it motivates us and stems from the burst of adrenalin that removes us from unsafe situations -over a long period of time, stress build up can cause havoc. Combined with fatigue and a build up of negativity such as frustration or irritability, this can lead to a burn out. According to one study, stress-related illness contributes to a massive 43% of all sickness leave at work.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54b9453be4b05e8a36381e11/t/55bad9e4e4b04ac891932042/1438308837081/" target="_blank">Source</a></span></div>
We all know that mental and physical health are linked, with cortisol affecting the ways that our body functions and how even fundamental things such as digestion can be affected. However, it can be hard to recognise where to draw the line between productiveness and stress overload -surely cracking on with work over taking a break is a positive thing? Unfortunately, according to this month's Om Yoga author and life coach Janice Haddon, the brain is then forced to seek pleasure and coping mechanisms in the form of caffeine, alcohol, sugar or cigarettes. These substances provide us with a temporary hit, but do not provide us with essential nutrients to bolster energy and in some cases (think sugar, alcohol and cigarettes) also load our bodies with a dose of toxins that needs further energy to be cleared.<br />
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Another article by Jill Lawson focused more particularly on how to deal with hunger. In particular, she focused on meditation and mindfulness to separate emotions from the physical self. This awareness allows us to make more rational choices and be less swayed by fleeting emotions and impulses.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://eleonorazampatti.com/press/" target="_blank">By Aaron Santoro</a></span></div>
A more tangible method to avoiding burnout and balancing stress is also simple: exercise. Admittedly HIIT workouts and other high intensities exercise may exaggerate stress by raising cortisol, but resistance training, cardio and yoga will all provide endorphins that promote wellbeing. Of course, sometimes we need to leave the gym or hot yoga studio behind and engage in a slow mentality. Taking the time to relax, indulge and just switch off can be easily pushed aside or marred by guilt, but will help to replenish your energy -literally and metaphorically -and can actually boost performance and productivity. When stress can slowly build up upon us without us noticing, taking the time to restore ourselves is pretty vital to avoid a crash and burn.<br />
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Also in this month's issue is an interview with seriously inspirational yogi Eleanora Zampatti, who embraced her own vulnerability and strength through yoga -definitely worth a read!
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<a href="http://www.pocketmags.com/searchresults.aspx?search=OM+Yoga+UK+Magazine#a_aid=53babb1dadc5e&a_bid=a1092991" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iLcUyJBMx0U/VWdrIhUSKXI/AAAAAAAAB2k/H7xLVRGTJAU/s1600/a1092991.jpg" /></a><span id="goog_135366136"></span><span id="goog_135366137"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #5f5e5e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><strong>Disclaimer</strong>: I am an Affiliated Blogger with </em><a href="http://www.ommagazine.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.25s ease-out; background-color: white; color: #227b6b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;"><em>Om Yoga Magazine</em></span></a><em style="background-color: white; color: #5f5e5e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">. Each issue I will write a post on an article from the magazine and share it with you. Have a look </em><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "gothaz" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://www.ommagazine.com/category/bloggers/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.25s ease-out; color: #e2c578; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out;" target="_blank">here</a> </em></span><em style="background-color: white; color: #5f5e5e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">to find about the other lovely affiliated bloggers. </em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-24309802734539871022016-06-23T07:00:00.000+01:002016-06-23T07:00:27.466+01:00The Health Blog Awards 2016<br />
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Last Friday, I attended the first-ever <a href="http://healthblogawards.com/" target="_blank">Health Blog Awards</a>, hosted by the <a href="http://www.healthbloggerscommunity.com/" target="_blank">Health Bloggers Community</a> and <a href="https://thatprotein.com/" target="_blank">That Protein</a> at <a href="https://www.thecollective.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Collective</a>. In case you missed it on my social media channels, I was totally blown away to find that I was awarded best yoga blog! I was as pleased as punch to be shortlisted and had absolutely no expectations on winning so this has really made me sit up and realise that pursuing yoga and wellness is really what I want to do and so now is the time to really throw myself into developing Green+Aquamarine. Also, I'd like to give a huge well done to everyone else in my category (especially Natasha from <a href="http://www.danceflowlift.com/" target="_blank">Dance Flow Lift</a> who has just become a Sweaty Betty ambassador!) and all the other winners -you can see the full list <a href="http://healthblogawards.com/winners/" target="_blank">here</a>. All photos in this post were taken by the talented Marie Claire of <a href="http://www.flukephotography.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fluke Photography</a>, who was absolutely lovely (as well as being a self-proclaimed happiness ninja!).<br />
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Natasha and I got ready for and went to the event together, which was held at the work/living integrated space of The Collective Hub, which is exclusively rented out to young London professionals in the aim of building a like-minded community. <a href="http://www.amanzitea.com/" target="_blank">Amanzitea</a>, who were the sponsors of the yoga and spirituality awards, kept us all hydrated with healthy mocktails. I started with and elderflower and rose mar-tea-ni with real rose buds and later had a spicy lemon and matcha drink, which really hit the spot. Food was supplied by <a href="http://soulmatefood.com/" target="_blank">Soulmate Food</a> and was so flavoursome. I saved my flapjack for the next day on the coach, and since I had run out of time to buy lunch it was a lifesaver!<br />
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The whole event was led by the HBC's boss lady <a href="http://www.fabgiovanetti.com/" target="_blank">Fab</a>, with <a href="http://www.zannavandijk.co.uk/" target="_blank">Zanna Van Dijk</a>, <a href="https://hazelwallace.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hazel Wallace</a>, <a href="http://www.plantbased-pixie.com/" target="_blank">Pixie Turner</a> and Darlene McCormick as judges. We started with a Q&A session with the judges, which was so helpful for getting those niggling blog tweaks answered. The most interesting suggestion was, when working with brands, is the get an agreement down in writing. I don't think many of us had even considered this, but it came highly recommended to protect yourself and your finances. When the questions were opened up to the audience, I took the opportunity to ask Pixie for her advice on choosing a nutrition course. Her suggestion? Stick with universities, and look for proper accreditation to make sure that your course meets scientific research standards. Pixie kindly spoke to me after in a bit more depth. Other Q&A points included not undervaluing yourself as a blogger when charging fees, and how both Hazel and Zanna have made the move to working with an agency to help them when working with brands.<br />
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After a short interlude, we move on to the award ceremony itself. To my slight alarm, the yoga and spirituality award was the first to be called out, judged by Fab herself. Because of the spirituality element, my category was quite varied, with all of the blogs being very individual from each other. When Fab described the winning blog as "having it all" or "covering all bases", I figured it wasn't me as I don't really touch on the spirituality side of things. But when "scientifically-backed" and "speaking about ethical issues" and the environment were mentioned, Tash whispered "It's you!" and the next thing I knew my name was being called out! I had my photos taken with Antonia of <a href="http://www.amanzitea.com/" target="_blank">Amanzitea</a>, before the rest of the awards were read out. A bonus award for the Health Blogger of the year was unveiled, and the amazing Rachel of <a href="http://healthyandpsyched.com/" target="_blank">Healthy and Psyched</a> won. Rachel (who will forever be the first person to recognise me from my blog!) is the nicest person and has such a professional looking blog and photography style, especially as a new blogger. I was rooting for her and she so deserved to scoop the top award.<br />
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After further mingling, sharing of business cards and a cheeky glass of prosecco, we all headed back home. If someone had told me that I would be in a room full of 100 like-minded people, collecting an award and growing as a community of health and wellbeing bloggers, I wouldn't have believed it, even a few months ago. With attendees from as far afield as Denmark, it is truly amazing to be part of such a group of creative and inspiring people. Getting on the coach home certainly brought me back to earth with a bump, but now I am so excited to keep growing and exploring new avenues.<br />
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<b><i><u><span style="color: #3d85c6;">All the Details</span></u></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Hosts</b></span></i> - HBC and <a href="https://thatprotein.com/" target="_blank">That Protein</a> -big shout out to Fab, Laura and Darlene for their organising skills!</li>
<li><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Sponsors</span></i></b> -That Protein, <a href="https://www.soilassociation.org/" target="_blank">The Soil Association</a>, <a href="http://www.linwoodshealthfoods.com/uk/" target="_blank">Linwoods</a>, <a href="http://soulmatefood.com/" target="_blank">Soulmate Food</a>, <a href="http://www.amanzitea.com/" target="_blank">Amanzitea</a>, <a href="https://superfoodlx.com/" target="_blank">Superfoodlx</a>, <a href="http://uk.bouncefoods.com/" target="_blank">Bounce Balls</a> and <a href="http://www.twochicks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Two Chicks</a>.</li>
<li><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Venue</span></i></b> -The Collective</li>
<li><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Photography</span></i></b> - Marie Claire of <a href="http://www.flukephotography.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fluke Photography</a></li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-49054059151627368042016-06-20T07:00:00.000+01:002016-06-20T07:00:25.810+01:00Chocolate and Cherry Paleo Parfait<br />
Granolas are something of a staple in the breakfast cupboard, being useful for adding to smoothie bowls, crumbles and baking besides merely the traditional bowlful with milk. I decided to embrace the flavours of the 80's with a chocolate and cherry combination and shake up the breakfast parfait with a healthy twist. Planet Organic has released a range of <a href="http://www.planetorganic.com/search/?name=paleo+granola&pref=ignore&brand=PLANET%5FORGANIC" target="_blank">paleo granolas</a>* including a rich <a href="http://www.planetorganic.com/po-paleonola-chocolate-bliss-350g-350g/20607/" target="_blank">chocolate</a> flavour, which is disappearing <i>way</i> too quickly! Whist I have no fear of grains -my Instagram account is a testament to my love of porridge! -having a granola was something I was more than happy to try, especially when it promises a high protein content. It is also full of goodness including sunflower seeds, cashews, chia seeds, coconut, cacao and dates rather than being packed with high sugar, refined ingredients. The recipe here is more of an assembly job than exact science, so use the quantities as a rough measurement based on how hungry you are feeling.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOJkJLo4NPc/V2b43f1LX3I/AAAAAAAACw0/SEyKs_jyjZ45mHGKMIzRl-0gfoHUyJ8cQCKgB/s1600/planet%2Borganic%2Bgranola3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black Forest inspired parfait, using Planet Organic's paleo granola. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOJkJLo4NPc/V2b43f1LX3I/AAAAAAAACw0/SEyKs_jyjZ45mHGKMIzRl-0gfoHUyJ8cQCKgB/s1600/planet%2Borganic%2Bgranola3.jpg" title="Black Forest inspired parfait, using Planet Organic's paleo granola. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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Adding chia to a fruit compote is an easy way to create the set of a jam without adding lots of sugar -it is the pectin in sugars that helps a jam to solidify. The chia jam becomes more solid as it sets, so you can either make this breakfast the night before for a speedy morning, or make it fresh and serve warm and runny. The lemon juice and small amount of sugar from the honey gives the cherries the additional sharp, bright flavour that marines beautifully with the dark chocolatey granola. Alternatively, you can check out Meridian's range of jams which use apple puree instead of refined sugar.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ4gSKmwVnc/V2b5J6MiOPI/AAAAAAAACw4/0VEuhcDmE_Em-Xns0r5NECYEZiwTVhsQACKgB/s1600/Planet%2Borganic%2Bgranola3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black Forest inspired parfait, using Planet Organic's paleo granola. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ4gSKmwVnc/V2b5J6MiOPI/AAAAAAAACw4/0VEuhcDmE_Em-Xns0r5NECYEZiwTVhsQACKgB/s1600/Planet%2Borganic%2Bgranola3.jpg" title="Black Forest inspired parfait, using Planet Organic's paleo granola. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Ingredients -for the jam</i></b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li>2 cup cherries, stones and stalks removed</li>
<li>2 tbsp chia seeds</li>
<li>2 tbsp honey or other sweetener, to taste</li>
<li>Juice of 1 lemon</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>For the parfait</i></b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>2 tbsp cherry chia jam</li>
<li>40g (about 3 tbsp) <a href="http://www.planetorganic.com/po-paleonola-chocolate-bliss-350g-350g/20607/" target="_blank">chocolate granola</a>*</li>
<li>100ml yogurt -coconut (paleo, vegan), Greek or natural all work</li>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-raBwQIwfwhg/V2b42jHv8DI/AAAAAAAACw0/QIdP3qJDp3g7s_PQEOzrFDi3CzorOJPqACKgB/s1600/planet%2Borganic%2Bgranola2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black Forest inspired parfait, using Planet Organic's paleo granola. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-raBwQIwfwhg/V2b42jHv8DI/AAAAAAAACw0/QIdP3qJDp3g7s_PQEOzrFDi3CzorOJPqACKgB/s1600/planet%2Borganic%2Bgranola2.jpg" title="Black Forest inspired parfait, using Planet Organic's paleo granola. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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Grab a glass or jar and sprinkle over your first tablespoon or so of granola, followed by enough yoghurt to cover it, and finally all the jam. Add a further layer of granola and yogurt, and top with fruit, extra granola and anything else that you fancy. Eat straight away, or leave to allow the flavours to mingle. And that's it!</div>
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<i style="color: #555555; font-family: Gothaz, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">*Denotes PR sample. All thoughts, opinions and work is my own.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-57431955787026141722016-06-17T07:00:00.000+01:002016-06-18T20:08:24.231+01:00Inspiration: Heather King of Yogging<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week I am really excited to introduce you to Heather King, founder of <a href="http://www.yogging.co.uk/" target="_blank">Yogging</a>, a blend of yoga and running. I spotted an advert for Yogging in Om Yoga Magazine last summer, and was delighted to find that it was based near me. If you attended the London or Manchester shows, you may have spotted Heather leading Yogging taster classes. I had to miss the shows this year, but it turned out that Heather and I not only have mutual friends and went to the same university, but are also so close that I now have the pleasure of being one of Heather's yoga students. Her playful Hatha classes are so enjoyable to be in, and I am looking forward to trying Yogging myself when I have a free Sunday.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i><b>First, thank you for speaking to me today! Could you explain a little bit about what Yogging is, and why it is distinct to, say, running with a few stretches, or simply practicing yoga and running separately?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yogging is loosely based on the science behind Bikram/hot yoga in that we are using the heat from our own muscles through jogging rather than the heat of a sauna to help the muscles become stretchy and more flexible. The formula behind Yogging is one that starts just with getting the body warm through jogging and sun salutations and then incorporates active and dynamic yoga movements covering all muscle groups and joints. Instead of static asanas, we make the posture move and flow making it quite challenging at times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The lovely thing is that you really can yog in all weathers and we have! All you need is appropriate clothing... and a great pair of ski-gloves for winter. Doing yoga outside is bliss and unfortunately not always possible in the UK but Yogging and the way it keeps us warm, enables us to be outside and experience nature whilst focusing on our yoga. The beach is my favourite place to do yogging. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was influenced by a lot of PT moves which often have yoga techniques or postures at their heart... plank for example and sumo squats. I try to make the classes challenging but loyal to yogic movements. We don't really run long distances, but if we do, it is broken up with yoga. It is great for people who are new to runnning or yoga in many ways as it is a good taster of both but nice because you know you are going to stop. People also tend to like it if they normally find running a bit boring. Doing anything as a group is always fun and I love the element of camaraderie and team spirit that emerges when yogging. I have found that the people it attracts are quite 'hard-core' people who don't mind getting muddy! </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/----ZRRFjQC8/V2MiPUm2moI/AAAAAAAACvQ/kDrWPeliqVQf8VO3roLrYieB340FBH73gCKgB/s1600/Yogging2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Guest interview with Heather King, founder of Yogging, a yoga and running class. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/----ZRRFjQC8/V2MiPUm2moI/AAAAAAAACvQ/kDrWPeliqVQf8VO3roLrYieB340FBH73gCKgB/s1600/Yogging2.jpg" title="Guest interview with Heather King, founder of Yogging, a yoga and running class. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>You trained as a hatha yoga teacher. What caused you to found your own dynamic blend of yoga and running?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was always sporty and enjoyed endurance running and team sports but I think when I started to study anatomy as part of the yoga course and learning more about yogic beliefs, I took on board some aspects of how running can be detrimental to your body, certainly knee joints and learned about the benefits of yoga for helping to improve running. Even little things like thinking about weight distribution when running or posture and positioning of the hips when running have all helped me. I believe yoga goes hand in hand with yoga as they are both breathing orientated and in many ways, meditational and good for the mind! It somehow just clicked together when I was working and living in London and jogging around Brockwell Park and doing lap after lap and I thought it would work well in parks with people who have little time and can't decide between focussing on the more remedial yoga or fat busting cardio. I thought it was a little like wash and go - 2 in 1! Great for busy people... the perfect combination! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>What is your favourite yoga pose/asana, and why?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I go through phases! I think the dancer pose always feels good but I have a little 'go-to' sequence I do which involves high lunge, Warrior 1, Warrior 2 and side stretch and Trikonasana (not forgeting a reverse trikonasana) which I love after a run because it just opens the chest out which has just been working hard and helps the legs recover. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>What inspired you to turn yoga into a career?</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It wasn't a plan and really is just a passion! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Do you have a top tip for living well? </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you listen to your body and get 'tuned in' (which yoga can help with) I think it tells you what it needs! I try to have minimum processed food and minimum sugar and pretty much 'eat clean' and fresh! I am not veggie but LOVE veggie and vegan food - I go through phases but will generally always order fish when I eat out just like my farming Granddad! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Have you always been interested in healthy living?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Always! My recent trip to Australia made me realise how ahead of the game they are out there, I loved having chlorophyll water on tap, alpachinos (almond milk cappuccinos) and chia seeds everywhere and all kinds of amazing fruit! I wish there were some more cafes in rural Yorkshire which offered raw/vegan and fresh, sustainably sourced treats! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Where is your must-see travel destination?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really want to go to New Zealand, Canada and Patagonia! All the outdoorsy mountainous places! I do think Japan, Borneo and Bali and the Maldives look brilliant too for a different type of adventure! </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYxnMliB1fo/V2WbpNLQnCI/AAAAAAAACvw/8wL16DOqLVYLCKPW1jGLk3-6IW_xlVHUACKgB/s1600/YOGGING_71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYxnMliB1fo/V2WbpNLQnCI/AAAAAAAACvw/8wL16DOqLVYLCKPW1jGLk3-6IW_xlVHUACKgB/s1600/YOGGING_71.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Who, or what, inspires you the most?</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My family as a unit. I think they are all incredible. So optimistic, generous, loving and full of energy, enthusiasm and adventurous spirit - nothing is ever impossible when they are around. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Name a favourite healthy meal.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">SLAW! I love different slaws such as red cabbage, lime, onion, carrot and apple with coriander! Perhaps with a fillet of grilled sea bass!?! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Finally, what makes you happiest?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think my family, boyf, friends, yoga time, the sun and the sea, everything you can have for free!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks so much for your great answers Heather! For more information, head to the Yogging <a href="http://www.yogging.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Yogging/timeline" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page and keep an eye out for future developments and classes!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-86667463178042239632016-06-13T07:00:00.000+01:002016-06-13T07:00:23.639+01:00Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl<br />
This week, I am getting all geared up for the Health Blog Awards. Thanks so much to everyone who voted; it really means the world to me! I know my blog really is a small corner of the internet, but I'm so proud of it, so grateful for the love and support, and I am excited about the future for Green+Aquamarine and my own journey into wellness. I would love to know your thoughts -what do you like, what would you like to see more of? In the meantime, I have a delicious chocolatey smoothy bowl, made heavenly with a generous dollop of peanut butter. I used Meridian's coconut peanut butter and it really was like dessert for breakfast, without being insanely high in sugar. <a href="http://www.natvia.co.uk/" target="_blank">Nativa</a> adds a little extra sweetness without the need for extra fruit or honey.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQP8itthL6A/V13Nyg0UQlI/AAAAAAAACu4/ZW63iVLryng_DaRUKUeecd0u066voSmYwCKgB/s1600/New%2Bcamera_0000_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Healthy peanut butter and chocolate flavoured smoothie bowl, using cacao. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQP8itthL6A/V13Nyg0UQlI/AAAAAAAACu4/ZW63iVLryng_DaRUKUeecd0u066voSmYwCKgB/s1600/New%2Bcamera_0000_edited-1.jpg" title="Healthy peanut butter and chocolate flavoured smoothie bowl, using cacao. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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With the unpredictable weather, I find myself switching between summery meals and comfort food frequently. For days when you really don't know what kind of food mood you are in, or for indulgent healthy dessert, this smoothie bowl really fits the bill. It's cooling and uses tropical bananas, yet is rich and comforting in flavour. I've included 1/2 an avocado as an option, but as there is already a bit of fat coming from the peanut butter, you may wish to omit it depending on your diet and goals. The avocado can be replaced with either a scoop of oats or an extra 1/2 banana, if you wish.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBgxJS7HnLA/V13Ny29ovQI/AAAAAAAACvE/KQInKMQdBaMzFGtb6-g8kLaEMXSQw_qHACKgB/s1600/DSC_3546_0041_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Healthy peanut butter and chocolate flavoured smoothie bowl, using cacao. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBgxJS7HnLA/V13Ny29ovQI/AAAAAAAACvE/KQInKMQdBaMzFGtb6-g8kLaEMXSQw_qHACKgB/s1600/DSC_3546_0041_edited-1.jpg" title="Healthy peanut butter and chocolate flavoured smoothie bowl, using cacao. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Ingredients</i></b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 banana, frozen</li>
<li>1 tbsp peanut butter</li>
<li>1 tbsp cacao powder</li>
<li>1/2 cup nut milk</li>
<li>1 tsp <a href="http://www.natvia.co.uk/" target="_blank">Natvia</a>*</li>
<li>Optional: 1/2 avocado (see alternatives above)</li>
<li>Optional: handful of spinach</li>
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To make, simply blend all the ingredients together. Use more or less liquid as needed to achieve a thick consistency. Pour into a bowl and add your toppings as preferred. I used extra banana, coconut flakes, strawberries, blueberries and chia seeds. Enjoy!</div>
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<i>*Denotes PR sample. All thoughts, opinions and work is my own.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-27566292642838868002016-06-09T07:00:00.000+01:002016-06-09T07:00:23.235+01:00Spiced matcha and cucumber cooler<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92A9hS9rguo/V1iKj15F1-I/AAAAAAAACuo/i5-CNK9PcAwm-zltjCDWRTk7FvuYfMOawCLcB/s1600/ginger%2Bmatcha3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cucumber, matcha, lime and ginger drink recipe, perfect for summer mocktails. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92A9hS9rguo/V1iKj15F1-I/AAAAAAAACuo/i5-CNK9PcAwm-zltjCDWRTk7FvuYfMOawCLcB/s1600/ginger%2Bmatcha3.jpg" title="Cucumber, matcha, lime and ginger drink recipe, perfect for summer mocktails. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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Matcha really has become the drink of the moment, appealing to health-conscious people all over. Being served as a tea, latte or form of iced drink, matcha really is versatile and has grown greatly from it's origins in Japan, where it was drunk by monks. <a href="http://www.eatcleantea.com/" target="_blank">Eat Clean Tea</a> is trying to get you drinking iced matcha instead of sugary cocktails and fruit juices, and so set the #summerofmatcha challenge of creating a drink using their premium matcha powders. What I love about Eat Clean Tea is that they offer a choice of flavours, currently pure matcha, mint, or ginger. I selected the matcha and ginger flavour to get experimenting with, wanting to create an uplifting drink that will make you feel great, inside and out. Matcha, made from green tea leaves, is energy and metabolism boosting. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and it's spicy flavour lifts the mellow matcha beautifully. Inspired by my favourite green juice, I paired the matcha with cucumber, and added some fresh lime for a zinging light drink that is low in sugar but high in flavour. If you don't have a juicer you can blend the cucumber and strain it through a sieve, so anyone can make this!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V2lmaJ8u7HA/V1iKj5eIGDI/AAAAAAAACuw/zQ0R1SqgrGI8djBANf7kOnS0XAJrE52BgCKgB/s1600/Ginger%2Bmatcha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cucumber, matcha, lime and ginger drink recipe, perfect for summer mocktails. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V2lmaJ8u7HA/V1iKj5eIGDI/AAAAAAAACuw/zQ0R1SqgrGI8djBANf7kOnS0XAJrE52BgCKgB/s1600/Ginger%2Bmatcha.jpg" title="Cucumber, matcha, lime and ginger drink recipe, perfect for summer mocktails. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sdhp7pmMc9o/V1iKj8lJccI/AAAAAAAACuw/qeRHHIx4hpc0nrD0_g-18LDHSXJxfxvrgCKgB/s1600/ginger%2Bmatcha2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cucumber, matcha, lime and ginger drink recipe, perfect for summer mocktails. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sdhp7pmMc9o/V1iKj8lJccI/AAAAAAAACuw/qeRHHIx4hpc0nrD0_g-18LDHSXJxfxvrgCKgB/s1600/ginger%2Bmatcha2.jpg" title="Cucumber, matcha, lime and ginger drink recipe, perfect for summer mocktails. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ingredients -serves 2</span></i></b><br />
<ul>
<li>1 tsp ginger matcha powder*</li>
<li>1 cucumber</li>
<li>1 lime</li>
</ul>
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To dissolve the matcha, mix with a small amount of hot water and mix vigorously. Juice or blend the cucumber, and squeeze out the juice of the lime. Combine all three, add ice and serve. That's it!</div>
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<i>*Disclaimer - a sample sized matcha powder sachet was sent to me as part of a blogger recipe competition. All work and opinions are my own.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-52981618172355622872016-06-06T07:00:00.000+01:002016-06-06T07:00:13.158+01:00Chaga Chai Latte<br />
I've been hearing about the powers of mushroom extracts for a while now (Gwyneth Paltrow's super smoothie anyone?) so was interested to give one of these powders a try. Including mushrooms varieties into our diet (so long as they're edible!) is useful nutritionally, as they contain different <a href="https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/chaga-mushroom" target="_blank">compounds and nutrients</a> to other aspects of our diet, being fungi rather than plants. Chaga is thought to be especially rich in health-boosting compounds, being dubbed the "king of mushrooms" in parts of Russia and Siberia where the mushroom has been used for many years. It is found on mature birch trees throughout the Northern Hemisphere, so you can actually go foraging for it. Luckily, it is also widely available in a variety of forms, including powder, which I received from <a href="https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/shop/buy/chaga-extract-powder" target="_blank">Indigo Nutrition</a>. What I like about Indigo Nutrition's products is that they are from mushrooms harvested in Scotland and Estonia rather than from all four corners of the globe.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3vbkwafY5Fw/V1QCgEdqQYI/AAAAAAAACuI/Ns1F4YbTtfYNgHI3TGAz7YMZKCX4m0v0QCKgB/s1600/Chaga%2Bchair_0018_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Recipe for chaga mushroom flavoured chai tea. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3vbkwafY5Fw/V1QCgEdqQYI/AAAAAAAACuI/Ns1F4YbTtfYNgHI3TGAz7YMZKCX4m0v0QCKgB/s1600/Chaga%2Bchair_0018_edited-1.jpg" title="Recipe for chaga mushroom flavoured chai tea. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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I was surprised to find that the chaga extract has a pleasantly malty taste and smell to it; I was expecting something much more pungent. Mixed with nothing but hot water, the chaga "tea" makes a great alternative to a cuppa or a coffee, so I decided to blend it with chai spices for a warming drink that can be enjoyed year-round. To make the chai tea warm, add all the spices to the milk and leave in the fridge at least overnight, and either add the chaga powder to drink cold, or gently heat to just below 40 degrees before drinking.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIn19RwcY1g/V1QCghMINxI/AAAAAAAACuY/subS3u1UxucNkSOPFuxAc1o76IffUbarwCKgB/s1600/Chaga%2Bchair_0027_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Recipe for chaga mushroom flavoured chai tea. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIn19RwcY1g/V1QCghMINxI/AAAAAAAACuY/subS3u1UxucNkSOPFuxAc1o76IffUbarwCKgB/s1600/Chaga%2Bchair_0027_edited-1.jpg" title="Recipe for chaga mushroom flavoured chai tea. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Chaga Chai Tea - Ingredients</span></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 cup almond or oat milk</li>
<li>8 cardamon pods, crushed beneath a knife</li>
<li>1 cinnamon stick</li>
<li>Half a vanilla pod, seeds removed (reserve and use for baking or making almond milk!)</li>
<li>1 star anise</li>
<li>1/2-1 tsp chaga powder*, to taste</li>
<li><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Optional</span></b>: honey, maple syrup or other sweetener</li>
</ul>
<div>
Over a low heat, infuse the milk with the spices for between 30 minutes and an hour. When the milk tastes sufficiently spiced, remove or strain out the spices. Whisk in the chaga and serve, adding honey or maple syrup if desired.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4_--dPGRvo/V1QCfxqZ-HI/AAAAAAAACuY/ddv7n5Ux2VIJj9lE6jLPlpv3UjZUcgztACKgB/s1600/Chaga%2Bchair_0001_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Recipe for chaga mushroom flavoured chai tea. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4_--dPGRvo/V1QCfxqZ-HI/AAAAAAAACuY/ddv7n5Ux2VIJj9lE6jLPlpv3UjZUcgztACKgB/s1600/Chaga%2Bchair_0001_edited-1.jpg" title="Recipe for chaga mushroom flavoured chai tea. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #555555; font-family: Gothaz, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">*Donotes PR sample. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I will only positively feature or recommend products that I would use myself.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-4175881531884972352016-06-03T07:00:00.000+01:002016-06-03T07:00:10.425+01:00Fierce Medicine by Forrest Yoga's Founder<br />
Last week I had a bit of a yoga book haul, finally getting my hands on the nigh-on essential <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1450400248/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Yoga Anatomy </a>alongside Kino MacGregor's the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019G6NM1W/ref=oh_aui_d_detailpage_o00_?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Power of Ashtanga</a> and Ana Forrest's<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004MMEILE/ref=oh_aui_d_detailpage_o02_?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank"> Fierce Medicine</a>. Fierce Medicine was published in 2011, but it really caught my eye recently. Unlike Yoga Anatomy, which is very much a factual textbook, Fierce Medicine is partly autobiographical, taking you through Ana's life in her journey towards founding <a href="http://forrestyoga.com/" target="_blank">Forrest Yoga</a>, alongside yoga tips and short sequences.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNwgLYzY8rQ/V1CulaZnXCI/AAAAAAAACt0/Wd6A4K6-EH47Gx6pl-hBUAOYhdgi-KA-ACLcB/s1600/Fierce%2Byoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review of Fierce Medicine by Ana Forrest, founder of Forrest Yoga. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNwgLYzY8rQ/V1CulaZnXCI/AAAAAAAACt0/Wd6A4K6-EH47Gx6pl-hBUAOYhdgi-KA-ACLcB/s1600/Fierce%2Byoga.jpg" title="Review of Fierce Medicine by Ana Forrest, founder of Forrest Yoga. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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Forrest yoga has become a global form of yoga with a large following. It is described as a powerful form of yoga with an emphasis on emotional and external healing. Whilst influenced by traditional healing practices and has certain spiritual connotations (Ana refers to the "Great Spirits", with religion or faith being ambiguous), Forrest Yoga has been designed with the modern yogi in mind, helping to heal addictions and modern ailments in a way that appeals to a wide audience. Ana's life's work is to "heal the loop of people", referring to a Native American way of thinking. I have associated the style with practitioners of all ages usually able to perform strong physical asanas.<br />
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Whilst any international yoga teacher is likely to have an interesting story, I was not prepared for the wild, transformative journey that Ana had been on. From a childhood of alcohol, smoking and drugs, Ana became a yoga teacher at the tender age of 18, which enabled her to find sobriety. It wasn't plain sailing from there unsurprisingly, but over the intervening years Ana travelled as she studied yoga and healing, largely influenced and taught by Native American groups.<br />
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The starkness of Ana's younger years, followed by the richness of her life really took my breath away. Far from gaining a few qualifications and then opening up a new studio (not that that is easy, either) Ana has really grafted and grown to become an experienced, intuitive teacher with a unique insight. I found myself totally hooked, and the book cover to cover on my train journeys to and from London last week. The yoga sections are focused on postures to help with specific ailments of target areas, which I found to be in useful bitesized amounts, especially as I was keen to read more of Ana's story as the book went on. There's also a couple of sections that are based around meditation or really getting into your own head, but I've left these book marked as I felt they needed a more private and safe space than a busy train carriage.<br />
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Until now, I hadn't really considered practicing Forrest Yoga, but now I would be really keen to have a go. I kept wanting to come back to the book for the first few days after reading it, as if there would be more stories to captivate me. This book is as much a telling of a story as it is an explanation to the concepts and philosophies behind a powerful form of movement and connectivity. Read it if you want to lose yourself for a while in the honesty of someone else's life, but leave if you want a more straight forward yoga book with many series of postures. Ana does talk about her spiritual, or other worldly experiences, so do pick up the book with an open mind (or pinch of salt, depending on your scepticism and personal beliefs). There's little I can fault the book with, hooked by it as I was. Reading about how Forrest Yoga came into being whilst listening to Nahko and Medicine for the People totally transported me far, far away from the stretch of railway I was travelling along. It changed my way of thinking, enlivened my passion for yoga and, for a moment, took me into another world, and I couldn't ask for more than that.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-27044739505054310592016-05-30T12:40:00.000+01:002016-05-30T12:40:35.809+01:00Learning to Adjust<br />
Life, and time, is a funny thing. I managed to keep up my usual blog schedule throughout revision and my first two exams, but slowed down a little just as I thought I would have more free time again. At university, I feel as though I should be working constantly, but my time is quite flexible in how I spend it. At home, work has a definite end point, but I am tied to a rota. There are benefits to both methods, but there has certainly been a period adjustment between the two. To quote Heraclitus, the only thing constant in life is change. Because of this, we need to be able to adapt and have a certain amount of leeway and buffering within our lifestyles so that periodic change doesn't throw us out of whack. When life becomes a little bit unpredictable, if you are staying with friends or family, or perhaps starting a new job, your usual routine can be disrupted. There's a fair chance that at least one of the topics below will have been adjusted or hindered, so here are some suggestions to help you adjust and get back on track.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Keep your diet consistent</span></i></b><br />
At home, I eat differently to when I only have myself to please. I eat with my parents who only get to have a light lunch at work, so the evening meal definitely is the main meal of the day. I'm aiming to have an extra side of vegetables such as leafy greens or broccoli to keep my vegetable intake high and so I don't have an extra scoop of rice or pasta needlessly or deprive myself. Before or after work I often pop in to the local greengrocers to pick up a few extras, like blueberries, bananas, spinach and avocado as I get through them so fast! Ensuring that you have your healthy staples to hand really makes a difference, both to keeping your diet on track and sustainable, and in making you feel normalised.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Find your active time</span></i></b><br />
At university, I can go to the gym or roll out my yoga mat pretty much whenever I want. When working, I have to be more proactive in planning my workouts, but it is still doable (especially now I can go to two different yoga classes a week!). If you're in a new location, see if you can go pay-as-you-go at any of the gyms, or try a body weight-based circuit of HIIT session. I'm enjoying Amanda Bisk's guides, but for a free workout, look for Laura Jamie's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4jNsroBICbhf2wqYfd8wA" target="_blank">YouTube videos</a> or get searching on Pinterest. I have recommended a few ideas for online yoga classes, but to recap try <a href="http://www.theyogacollective.com/" target="_blank">The Yoga Collective</a>, <a href="https://yogaia.com/" target="_blank">Yoogaia</a> or <a href="https://grokker.com/" target="_blank">Grokker</a> for a subscription service, and Jayne Becca or Leslie Fightmaster for free YouTube videos.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Cherish your rituals</i></b></span><br />
As often, it is the little things that make a difference. Wake up at a similar time each day and make your glass of hot lemon or whatever gets you moving. Take time to cleanse your face with your favourite products on an evening, and bring your favourite candle to scent your room as you meditate, read or relax in the bath. Whatever small activity is an essential in your day, make sure that it is always there waiting for you.<br />
<a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-27481540122332849582016-05-23T07:00:00.000+01:002016-05-23T07:00:32.012+01:00Om Yoga | The Flexibility Myth<br />
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With Instagram and other social media accounts, it can seem like to be a yogi worth your salt, you should be able to contort you limbs into a variety of improbable shapes. But is achieving impressive flexibility really the be all and end all? The opposite, in fact, may be true. Yoga teacher and author of <i>The Flexibility Myth</i> in this month's Om Yoga magazine has found herself at the receiving end of injury caused by stretching stress.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">When is stretching good?</span></i></b><br />
Stretched muscle and taut myofacial tissue (connective tissue that runs through and encases your muscles, helping to hold bundles of muscle fibres in place) improves circulation and so helps to keep joints comfortable and loose. Often loaded with neurons and nerve endings, the myofacial tissue has important communication links to the brain. Additionally, supple and lengthened muscles are likely to be better balanced, especially for those who run, weight train or do another exercise that can lead to a shortening of the muscles. Having a full range of muscular movement can make you feel much more comfortable in your body (healthy myofacial tissue is a key part of this), although this doesn't require being able to do standing splits!<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">When is stretching bad?</span></i></b><br />
Every time we work our muscles, micro tears occur. These are normal, repaired quickly and are essential for the regrowth and building of muscles. The ache you get after a good workout or stretch is due to these tears. However, there is a difference between a temporary ache of rebuilding muscles and that from a more serious injury. Tears in ligaments and tendons are more serious and require rehabilitation and time to heal. Here, stretching weak or damaged areas can result in further tearing and potentially scar tissue. The <a href="http://www.theyogablog.com/yoga-butt/" target="_blank">Yoga Blog</a> has a great article on hamstring tears and why stretching may not be the right thing for your apparently stiff hamstrings. Similarly, the emphasis of heart openers and back bends in yoga can be too much more many people -my pilates teacher thinks that as many as 1 in 5 people should be wary of backbends because if the strain it can put on the lower back. As a guide, a bearable muscular ache is a good stretch, but anything painful or a crunching "bone-on-bone" sensation is bad and should be avoided.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Staying in balance and flexible.</span></i></b><br />
A takeaway message here is to take stretching slowly. Be warmed up and practice some preparatory exercises before attempting a deep stretch. Hold for at least seven whole breaths to allow the muscles to relax (where poses are held longer, such as in <a href="http://greenandaquamarine.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/om-yoga-magazine-restorative-yoga.html" target="_blank">yin yoga</a>, the fascia is targeted) and repeat three or four times. When in poses such as triangle pose, don't "lock" the knee joint, which places stress upon the joint and connective structures. Instead, keep the knee soft with a tiny bend and use your muscles to hold the leg in place. This has the added benefit of strengthening your muscles whilst you stretch.<br />
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Liked this? In this month's issue of Om Yoga there is a special on teacher training. If you are looking to further your studies in yoga, these tips really are a must read and are really helpful. You can pick up a paper copy in newsagents, or download a copy for a lower price using the link below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pocketmags.com/searchresults.aspx?search=OM+Yoga+UK+Magazine#a_aid=53babb1dadc5e&a_bid=a1092991" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iLcUyJBMx0U/VWdrIhUSKXI/AAAAAAAAB2k/H7xLVRGTJAU/s1600/a1092991.jpg" /></a><span id="goog_135366136"></span><span id="goog_135366137"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #5f5e5e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><strong>Disclaimer</strong>: I am an Affiliated Blogger with </em><a href="http://www.ommagazine.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.25s ease-out; background-color: white; color: #227b6b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;"><em>Om Yoga Magazine</em></span></a><em style="background-color: white; color: #5f5e5e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">. Each issue I will write a post on an article from the magazine and share it with you. Have a look </em><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "gothaz" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://www.ommagazine.com/category/bloggers/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.25s ease-out; color: #e2c578; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out;" target="_blank">here</a> </em></span><em style="background-color: white; color: #5f5e5e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">to find about the other lovely affiliated bloggers. All photos in this post taken from the Om Yoga magazine. </em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-11794818515356669242016-05-12T07:00:00.000+01:002016-05-12T07:00:17.827+01:00Wellness | Surviving Exam Season<br />
May is here, which can mean only one thing for anyone in eduction... exam season! Although summer is just around the corner, with hopefully lots of exciting plans and projects, the run up is one of the most stressful times of the academic year. With a year or more's work culminating into a few exam hall sessions, it can feel like everything bar revision and the occasional Netflix binge goes out the window, leaving you feeling overwhelmed. As such, I'm sharing some of my top tips to help you stay balanced and (relatively!) relaxed throughout the exam season, whilst still getting a little exercise and socialising in!<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Set realistic work guidelines...</i></b></span><br />
You know yourself better than anyone. Be disciplined and start your revision punctually each day, and have a game plan on what you want to work on. Whilst I never got on with revision timetables -too rigid, too much switching between subjects -I like to have an idea in my head of what I want to work on over the week ahead, usually broken into AM and PM slots. Factor in workouts, errands, cooking times and of course socialising into your day to stagger breaks over several hours.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>...but do be flexible</i></b></span><br />
You may have scheduled a lunchtime gym session in, but if you're still on a roll at 11:45, don't break a productive revision stint. By the same token, if things start to stagnate before the end of a work slot, take a break for a few minutes, or even call it quits for an hour or two before starting renewed. We can't always predict how our brains or work ethics will pan out each day, and that's completely okay.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Have some quiet time daily</i></b></span><br />
Obviously I will always have to throw yoga in at some point. Prioritise making a few minutes upon waking or before bed to focus on breathing and relaxing. This can be with a light yoga flow, pranayama breathing, meditation, but equally curling up with a book will all work wonders. You're giving yourself a screen-free way to escape the outside world<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Make time to sweat</span></i></b><br />
Whilst you want to make your time at the desk as efficient as possible, long stints working aren't always the best tactic. A quick Google will offer lots of supported evidence that exercise can increase productivity (see my post all about how yoga can boost productivity here). However, if you really are short on time, plan a HIIT workout. The simplest way to do this is to sprint for 40 seconds and jog or walk for 20 seconds, and do this for 10-15 minutes. However, my favourite full-body session looks something like this -<br />
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<li>5 minute warm up such as running or skipping. Then repeat the following five times:</li>
<li>10 burpees</li>
<li>10 goblet (wide legged) squats</li>
<li>10 split lunges with back leg on a bench (right side)</li>
<li>10 split lunges with back leg on a bench (left side)</li>
<li>10 press ups / press up claps</li>
<li>10 tricep dips, against a bench</li>
<li>Finish with a 10 minute interval run or ab work, followed by stretching.</li>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Get enough sleep!</i></b></span></div>
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Whilst now is not the time to lie in until midday or take lots of naps, pulling all nighters on a regular basis is not the way forward either. A few of my friends do and get even more stressed, and I don't know how they can do it long term. Although you may find yourself working later, overwork and lack of sleep can seriously undermine your health and <i>decrease</i> your exam success because you're simply too tired to absorb any more information. It doesn't work for everyone as we all have different sleep patterns, but I'd much prefer to go to sleep an hour or two early, and get up that bit sooner and hit the ground running.</div>
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Exams are a bit of a practice for dealing with deadlines and taking on new information, so get to grips with these tips and utilise them whenever things get busy or stress mounts up.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5786061866109074909%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-y10xubsY6eE%2FVzOlWFCVwJI%2FAAAAAAAACsw%2FjK8TDSxnwzMWyZRWQ84KD-Z8u5DLEzn5ACKgB%2Fs1600%2Fexams_0006_edited-1.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=DToXzGp4DJGk&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1611px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5786061866109074909%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-y10xubsY6eE%2FVzOlWFCVwJI%2FAAAAAAAACsw%2FjK8TDSxnwzMWyZRWQ84KD-Z8u5DLEzn5ACKgB%2Fs1600%2Fexams_0006_edited-1.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=DToXzGp4DJGk&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1611px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-77858914124017296552016-05-09T07:00:00.000+01:002016-05-09T07:00:27.814+01:00Raw Millionaire's Shortbread<br />
Millionaire's shortbread has long been one of my favourite sweet treats. The buttery, crumbly base, the sticky caramel and the final flourish of chocolate. I've been keen to have a go at making my own healthier version for a while, so when I found myself with a pre-measured packet of raw chocolate* ingredients in my cupboard, I knew what I was going to make. Having all the ingredients for the chocolate measured out is so helpful, and coast effective if you don't use ingredients such as cacao butter often. This packet is from <a href="https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/shop/buy/indigo-raw-chocolate-making-kits-product" target="_blank">Indigo Herbs</a>, but I've also jotted down a recipe for raw chocolate if required. I based the ingredients for the shortbread on my Easter orange and cashew cream biscuits, which you can find <a href="http://greenandaquamarine.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/orange-cashew-cream-biscuits.html" target="_blank">here</a>, swapping the coconut for ground almonds. The dates really help to bind the biscuits. I used a packet of sticky dates for the base and saved the expensive medjool dates for the caramel, where their flavour really shines through.<br />
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Saturday was my friend West's birthday, and we decided to brave an extremely early morning to reach the summit of mt. Snowdon for sunrise. Leaving the house when many people were on their way back from nights out was the strangest thing, but standing 1085 meters above sea level at 6am was just incredible. We had been up for nearly 4 hours by that point, so the millionaire's shortbreads got passed around and went down a storm!<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Ingredients</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For the shortbread base</span></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>120g ground almonds</li>
<li>65g cashews</li>
<li>4 tbsp coconut oil</li>
<li>80g dates</li>
</ul>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For the caramel</span></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>150g medjool dates</li>
<li>pinch sea or rock salt</li>
<li>water</li>
</ul>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For the topping</span></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Use one packet of Indigo Nutrition raw chocolate pack* OR</li>
<li>100g cacao butter/coconut oil</li>
<li>80g cacao powder</li>
<li>80g sweetener such as maple syrup or honey</li>
</ul>
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First up, make the shortbread base. Prepare a rectangular tin by lining with cling film. Then blend all the ingredients together in a food processor until finely ground. Check to see if the mix can be pressed together into a solid mass, and add extra ground almonds, coconut oil (or add honey) as required. Tip the mix into the tin and press into a 1-1.5cm thick base.</div>
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Next, wipe the food processor clean and tip in all the medjool dates (removing stones if required). Add a tablespoon of water and salt and blend, scraping down as required. Keep blending until you have a smooth paste, then check the consistency. You want the caramel to be thick, but just loose enough to be able to spread over the shortbread, so you may need to add extra water -I used about 4 or 5 tablespoons. Add extra salt to taste. Spread the mixture over the top of the shortbread before moving on to the chocolate.</div>
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In a glass bowl over a pan of simmering water, heat the cacao butter until it becomes liquid. Remove from the stove and whisk in the cacao power, followed by the sweetener. Keep whisking until completely smooth and glossy, then pour over the shortbread and date caramel. Use a spatula to smooth out the chocolate topping then pop in the fridge to set for an hour.</div>
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Enjoy on the top of a mountain, or in the comfort of your own home as preferred, but use a hot knife to cut through the shortbread to avoid the chocolate cracking.</div>
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<i style="color: #555555; font-family: Gothaz, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">*Donotes PR sample. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I will only positively feature or recommend products that I would use myself.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-72514299960118812852016-05-05T07:00:00.000+01:002016-05-05T07:00:01.105+01:00Hot Yoga | A First Experience and Beginner Tips<br />
I know I am so late to the band with this one, but last week I finally tried hot yoga for the first time! The 37 degree class hasn't quite reached York yet, and I'm not quite sure if practicing my downward dog when in Turkey counted. A while ago, I came across yoga teacher <a href="http://www.adamhusleryoga.com/" target="_blank">Adam Husler</a> and really liked his ethos and style. By pure coincidence, he also happens to be Tash of <a href="http://www.danceflowlift.com/" target="_blank">Dance Flow Lift</a>'s yoga teacher and so Tash and I arranged to meet when I arrived in London and go to one of his classes at <a href="http://www.yogahaven.co.uk/" target="_blank">Yoga Haven</a>, a popular group of hot yoga studios.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Eva Katalin Kondoros</span></div>
First up, it was really nice to meet and chat with Tash, who is one of the loveliest people. It's funny, how with social media and blogging you can "know" someone for two years and not have actually met in the flesh. We arrived in good time, which gave me a chance to say hello to Adam and get myself settled in the hot studio. I was a little nervous, being just in a yoga bra and leggings next to lots of well-practiced and toned hot yoga students. My abs are still a work in progress, but I was at least relieved that my clothing behaved!<br />
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I did find the class hard, although it was a tough one. Adam really is a great teacher and I moved and worked my body in ways I hadn't practiced in yoga before. Being a newbie (and someone who's had more than her fair share of heatstroke over the years) I took plenty of water breaks. The practice was made up from flowing sections and vinyasas, with a little strength and balance work thrown in. Laying down in <i>Shavasana</i> at the end was so satisfying as I really felt like I had challenged myself. Having a scented muslim cloth gentle applied to my forehead during the final resting pose really sealed in the practice and honestly, I'd return just for that even if I hadn't loved the class as I did.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.mangalayogastudios.com/heated-classes/" target="_blank">Maui</a> Hot Yoga</span></div>
<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Water before, during, and after, food after!</span></i></b><br />
As practicing yoga in a hot space will cause water loss, it is very important to be fully hydrated (<i>without</i> needing to have bathroom breaks!) before you begin. Sipping water throughout the class is essential to keeping you cool, but won't hydrate you much, so make sure you've had plenty of water before and after the class. Avoid food though, because a full stomach can make you feel queasy as the digestive system shuts down during exercise. Have a little fruit or a smoothie if you really need beforehand, but otherwise save fuelling up until later.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Bring two towels (at least)</i></b></span><br />
Unless you have an ultra-grippy mat, like the Liforme or Suga mat, you'll definitely need a grippy towel on top. You can buy some very pretty ones that are just for yoga (I like <a href="https://www.yogarebel.com/collections/yogitoes" target="_blank">these</a> and <a href="http://www.sweatybetty.com/clothes/accessories/yoga/grey-grip-dot-yoga-towel/" target="_blank">these</a>) and take up limited kit bag space. Alongside this, you'll want a towel to wipe off sweat throughout the class, and for the shower later. One on it's own probably won't cut it!<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Pace yourself</i></b></span><br />
When you're used to flowing through 90 minutes of Vinyasa without any trouble, it can be a little disconcerting to find yourself feeling impossibly tired just by stretching out into Warrior II. Accept that practicing hot yoga is more strenuous and don't be afraid to sit back in child's pose or on your back when you need it.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Embrace the increased flexibility... carefully</i></b></span><br />
The temperature rise allows your muscles to stretch more, meaning that your flexibility increases more quickly as you attend sessions. Don't force yourself too much though, as you can risk over exerting your muscles. Just let your body move and you'll likely be pleasantly surprised without risking injury.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-45817173843972896992016-05-02T07:00:00.000+01:002016-05-02T11:59:52.309+01:00REVIEW | Voltaire Vegan Restaurant<br />
I don't get much of a chance to do reviews of restaurants and shops on here, and not being in a large city it feels as though any review would be a little niche. However, with the opening of a new vegan restaurant in my university town of Bangor, I felt as though this definitely needed sharing! You're likely to visit Bangor, situated right up on the North Wales coast if you're off to climb Snowdon, or are en route to cross over to Ireland from Holyhead. I have to be honest and say until now, Bangor is pretty poor on places to eat. During the day, there's the famous Blue Sky cafe, which really is amazing, but at night time you would have been better off going to Caernarfon or Beaumaris down the road. Step in Voltaire, the first vegan restaurant to open in Bangor. Having opened just two weeks ago, I was keen to try it out and headed over with Jess for a girl's lunchtime date.<br />
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Voltaire-named for the French philosopher and early supporter of vegetarianism -is located just by the pier in a quirky, bright old building. The front room feels cosy and cafe-like, but there's also a skylight-lit room behind and private function space. Although officially a restaurant, you can go in for coffee and cake, and Voltaire offers a lighter lunchtime menu as well as a range of starter dishes and tapas, so you feel catered for whatever your situation. Whilst Voltaire is not a health food restaurant -the owner, Rachael wants to dispel the notion that veganism can't be indulgent -there are lots of nourishing, healthy options. I opted for the superfood salad, made with quinoa and pomegranate. The quinoa part of the meal was served on the side of a fresh, leafy salad (pictured above), rather than all mixed together as a cohesive dish. Still, it was tasty and a perfect lunchtime portion size. Jess tried vegan cheese on a jacket potato for the first time and was pretty impressed. Main meals come in at roughly £10, which is very reasonable, but the lower price of the lunch menu was also appreciated. There was also a deal on the tapas if I remember, making a mix-and-match meal be very easy to build up.<br />
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Wanting a thorough review, Jess and I decided we just HAD to have dessert (ha!). I had a nutty vegan brownie and Jess a fudge chocolate cake with vegan icing, both with soy ice cream. I usually tend to avoid soy because of all the associated environmental and health impacts, but will have it in small or occasional amounts, and in this case I'm so glad that I did because it was heavenly! Creamy, and ever so slightly nutty in flavour, the ice cream went beautifully with the warm, dense brownie. There is also an option for oat cream, which sounded very fast. All the cakes are baked for Voltaire by a local lady, and hats off to her. I'm looking forward to sampling her ginger cake, recommended by Rachael.<br />
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Voltaire is still very much in it's infancy, with Rachael and the team holding back on really pushing the marketing until they find their feet, which seems sensible. I'd like to see the menu changing on a regular basis to keep things fresh, with perhaps a little more confidence and flair in some of the salads, whilst maintaining the simple comforts already offered. With vegan nachos and beer-battered cauliflower, I'll definitely be keen to try more of the current menu as well. I am very much looking forward to watching Voltaire grow, with evening events or supper clubs and an engaging website top of my list of things to see.<br />
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You can find Voltaire on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Voltaire-Vegan-restaurant-246429835702062/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, where updates and photos are often posted up.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-77188756842059107172016-04-28T07:00:00.000+01:002016-04-28T07:00:21.801+01:00Yoga Brands that Give Back<br />
Like many of you, I have a constant and ever-growing wishlist of leggings and fitness gear -especially yoga -that I have my eye on. But I always feel concerned, indeed, guilty, over the effect that my legging obsession may be having on the wider world. Can I really justify a purchase if I know that it has likely been made by under paid workers, in factories that churn out harmful dyes and take in large amounts of energy? Since I'm already willing to invest a bit more of my student budget on fitness gear than my peers, it seems like I can hardly use price as an excuse as I sometimes do for other products. Luckily for me, yoga has one of the best choice for eco-friendly and ethical clothing of almost any fitness brand. It suits the compassionate, <i>ahimsa</i> nature of yoga philosophy and me. To help you get started, I've shared some of my top picks, with a little background behind each of the brands.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/yoga_that_gives_back/set?.embedder=9869780&.svc=copypaste&id=197064031" target="_blank"><img alt="Yoga that Gives Back" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/ryRpy9tea2T20rXRYHww/cid/197064031/id/oDwwuLkM5hGKiEwPZFZllw/size/c600x470.jpg" height="470" title="Yoga that Gives Back" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">1. Bamboo vest top, <a href="http://www.braintreeclothing.com/spring-2016-basic-bamboo-vest-top.html" target="_blank">Braintree</a>, £22.</span> Braintree creates clothing designed to have a minimum ecological footprint, throughout the whole process of designing, making and delivery, with clothes designed to last.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">2. Prana bra, <a href="https://www.yogarebel.com/collections/dharma-bums/products/dharma-bums-prana-flow-sports-bra-azure" target="_blank">Dharma Bums</a>, £34.95.</span> Dharma Bums -a favourite of mine -uses low-impact fabrics and processes, as well as working with family-based and small-scale suppliers.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">3. Hot yoga shorts, <a href="https://www.yogarebel.com/collections/dharma-bums/products/dharma-bums-printed-shorts-tropical-paisley" target="_blank">Dharma Bums</a>, £29.95</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">4. Alfredo leggings, <a href="https://www.chocloproject.com/boutique/leggings/alfredo-legging-ink/" target="_blank">Choclo Project</a>, approx. £61.00.</span> The Choclo project directly works with Peruvian orphanages to improve the lives of young children. My favourite touch is that the prints are inspired by drawings from some of the children!<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">5. Paraqeet leggings, <a href="http://www.noballs.co.uk/Paraqeet-Print-Leggings-Butterflies/PQ46N2398.html" target="_blank">No Balls</a>, £59.00. </span>Bamboo is used almost exclusively in No Balls products, making the products pretty low impact, as well as skin friendly.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">6. Tarot Magic leggings, £49.95, <a href="https://www.yogarebel.com/collections/teeki" target="_blank">Teeki</a>. </span>25 plastic bottles go into making each pair of leggings by Teeki. Go to Teeki for an array of bold prints made in waste-free dying methods.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">7. Moroccan Coral leggings, <a href="http://www.tigerlillylondon.com/#!leggings/cez1/e68463ac-1055-98c1-9ebb-1e3306c02192" target="_blank">Inner Fire</a>, £57.00.</span> Like Teeki, Inner Fire use plastic bottles (BPA free) in making their ultra-pretty leggings. 10% of profits go into The School Fund, and Leah, the founder, claims to have coined the phrase "just here for the shavasana". Sound stuff.<br />
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It is kind of funny how the second a bit of sunny weather and slightly raised temperatures can result in almost epidemic levels of bare legs and summer clothes, even when there is still a biting wind. It's not that warm guys! Still, it is lovely to feel the sun on your back and see all the spring flowers blooming and these seasonal changes definitely make me want to eat more smoothies and fresh fruit. So when Holland and Barrett* offered to send me some manuka honey to use in their immunity-boosting smoothie recipe, I was delighted to have a go.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdXfG81U58g/Vxzur5Wt0tI/AAAAAAAACqY/Vq_vH-zWfgsRhmibsCxmObVpjQPquI5gACLcB/s1600/Manuka%2Bsmoothie_0014_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdXfG81U58g/Vxzur5Wt0tI/AAAAAAAACqY/Vq_vH-zWfgsRhmibsCxmObVpjQPquI5gACLcB/s1600/Manuka%2Bsmoothie_0014_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Manuka honey comes from New Zealand and is monofloral, as it is made from the nectar of the Manuka Tree flowers. So what makes manuka honey so much better than other honeys, and worth the price tag? It is all to do with the antibacterial properties of the honey. Due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide in honey (don't worry; it is nowhere near potent enough to do you any harm!) and other compounds, all honey is antibacterial to a degree. But what makes manuka honey special, it that it has several other compounds, including methylglyoxal (MG), which is formed from another compound that is found in high concentrations in the manuka flowers. The concentration of MG in manuka honey relates to a rating called the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) that you will see on the bottles of manuka honey. If you have been feeling run down, are unwell or have a nasty blemish, this is the best time to utilise your manuka honey. For sweetening healthy treats or general usage, I'd suggest utilising a more standard honey (ideally local, especially if you have hay fever) to make your manuka honey last longer. Just make sure it is from a brand or company that supports the preservation of bees.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGCCc2zFmNQ/VxzusBRcowI/AAAAAAAACqc/WU1d4DZgsLoPFRDDcpTgPT54SswekrUVwCKgB/s1600/Manuka%2Bsmoothie_0027_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGCCc2zFmNQ/VxzusBRcowI/AAAAAAAACqc/WU1d4DZgsLoPFRDDcpTgPT54SswekrUVwCKgB/s1600/Manuka%2Bsmoothie_0027_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Immunity-Boosting Smoothie - makes one large glass</span></i></b><br />
<ul>
<li>1 medium carrot, washed</li>
<li>1 orange, peeled</li>
<li>1 tbsp manuka honey (try <a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/pure-gold-premium-select-manuka-honey-18-60035236" target="_blank">this*</a>)</li>
<li>1 cm slice ginger</li>
<li>Juice of 1/2 lime</li>
<li>1 cup (250 ml) water</li>
<li>Ice</li>
</ul>
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To make, simply blend all the ingredients together until smooth and drink straight away.</div>
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Have you tried manuka honey before and did you think it was worth it? Let me know if you have any other favourite new smoothie or manuka recipes!</div>
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<i style="color: #555555; font-family: Gothaz, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">*Donotes PR sample. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I will only positively feature or recommend products that I would use myself.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-60374478806674363432016-04-22T11:39:00.001+01:002016-04-22T11:39:36.930+01:00Learn to Fall in Love with Yoga (Again)<br />
Are you the kind of person to fall head-over-heels in love with a new class, hobby or TV series (Netflix bingers, I'm looking at you!) only to quickly get bored? Or maybe you have just simply pushed yourself too hard into something new and have run smack into a mental -or physical - barrier. If this is you and yoga, read on. In this month's Om Yoga Magazine, Phoenix Fenegan addressed the key issues that many yogi's come up against, and how to effectively manoeuvre around them to reconnect with your practice again.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nlmc7pAY3bs/Vxn-sisfi2I/AAAAAAAACpo/nASgM9DERbwPppxZXUrn3POfoOIZBpUJwCLcB/s1600/unsplash23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Not enjoying yoga anymore? Try these tips to revitalise your practice. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nlmc7pAY3bs/Vxn-sisfi2I/AAAAAAAACpo/nASgM9DERbwPppxZXUrn3POfoOIZBpUJwCLcB/s1600/unsplash23.jpg" title="Not enjoying yoga anymore? Try these tips to revitalise your practice. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Over-enthusiasm's consequences</span></i></b><br />
Whilst being passionate is a fantastic thing, it can push you too hard and too fast before you are ready. Overcommitting yourself to several challenging, expensive yoga classes week in, week out is a sure-fire way to create a burnout. On top of this, creating unrealistic expectations for your progress in new asanas, flexibility or weight loss will only frustrate you and disconnect you from the yoga that you love.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Yoga is too difficult</i></b></span><br />
Similar to setting hard goals, expecting yourself to be a master of yoga because you "should" brings you down in just the same way comparison does. Phoenix describes 'should' as "a regular mental beating" that builds rock hard barriers that lead to "I'll never" that can spoil your practice.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Yoga has got in my head!</i></b></span><br />
Few people enter in to yoga with any expectations other than that of another fitness class. So when mental and emotional change occurs as well as physical, it can be a shock. Although usually the greater clarity of thoughts and calmness is a good thing, emotional release can be less expected or wanted. Think of how emotions are thought to be locked up within the hips, or vulnerability in opening the heart. Experiencing these emotional "surges" for the first time can be an unnerving sensation. Speak to your teacher if you have any concerns.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNq_Fp1VAbE/Vxn-r8Zff1I/AAAAAAAACpk/3pylLCXv1FQ5Fljhip7P8Av6zDgK1gcMQCKgB/s1600/unsplash24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Not enjoying yoga anymore? Try these tips to revitalise your practice. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNq_Fp1VAbE/Vxn-r8Zff1I/AAAAAAAACpk/3pylLCXv1FQ5Fljhip7P8Av6zDgK1gcMQCKgB/s1600/unsplash24.jpg" title="Not enjoying yoga anymore? Try these tips to revitalise your practice. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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When the going gets tough, think about why you started! This will help bolster your enthusiasm. However, this time, manage it by not overcommitting yourself, or expecting too much. Look at your yoga practice for enjoyment, nothing more initially. Build in physical goals if you wish, but be flexible and relaxed about these. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings and know that it is okay to suddenly feel sad, or excited for no apparent reason!<br />
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Sometimes, to fall back in love with yoga, you simply need to drop demands or expectations, and just lose yourself in the practice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pocketmags.com/searchresults.aspx?search=OM+Yoga+UK+Magazine#a_aid=53babb1dadc5e&a_bid=a1092991" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iLcUyJBMx0U/VWdrIhUSKXI/AAAAAAAAB2k/H7xLVRGTJAU/s1600/a1092991.jpg" /></a><span id="goog_135366136"></span><span id="goog_135366137"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #5f5e5e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><strong>Disclaimer</strong>: I am an Affiliated Blogger with </em><a href="http://www.ommagazine.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.25s ease-out; background-color: white; color: #227b6b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;"><em>Om Yoga Magazine</em></span></a><em style="background-color: white; color: #5f5e5e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">. Each issue I will write a post on an article from the magazine and share it with you. Have a look </em><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "gothaz" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://www.ommagazine.com/category/bloggers/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.25s ease-out; color: #e2c578; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out;" target="_blank">here</a> </em></span><em style="background-color: white; color: #5f5e5e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">to find about the other lovely affiliated bloggers. All photos in this post taken from the Om Yoga magazine. </em>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5786061866109074909%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-GtpR4kwqw6M%2FVsUAsW8sXEI%2FAAAAAAAACiY%2Fuk80Cdym4is%2Fs1600%2Frestorative%252Byoga.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=DToXzGp4DJGk&description=What%20is%20restorative%20yoga%20and%20how%20can%20it%20help%20your%20practice%3F%20Via%20%40eleanormayc" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 73px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5786061866109074909%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-GtpR4kwqw6M%2FVsUAsW8sXEI%2FAAAAAAAACiY%2Fuk80Cdym4is%2Fs1600%2Frestorative%252Byoga.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=DToXzGp4DJGk&description=What%20is%20restorative%20yoga%20and%20how%20can%20it%20help%20your%20practice%3F%20Via%20%40eleanormayc" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 73px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-61749277883921505922016-04-19T07:00:00.000+01:002016-04-21T10:53:16.448+01:00Dessert Cups, Three Ways<br />
I don't know about you, but I have a serious thing for peanut butter cups going on. However, they can be a little bit questionable in terms of health and quality... not that the odd indulgence is a bad thing at all! Still, for adding a little extra goodness to your day, these are an indulgent must. I used Pip and Nut's cashew, cinnamon and honey butter for my nut butter cups and <i>oh my</i> -if you have a pot, donate a little to making these and thank me later! As for the rest of these, get experimenting and testing. I've used standard sized cupcake cases, but if you have a set of mini cases then go for it and make a batch of bite-sized pieces.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNNWAfYU094/VxU4ps8oUaI/AAAAAAAACo0/F4MKIyhqPuYncu6jhxiVGJSC7HgKi8ovgCKgB/s1600/Dessert%2Bcups_0041_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Want to try peanut butter cups and a few variations? I have three healthy recipes for you! Try nut butter cups, tahini or goji berries. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNNWAfYU094/VxU4ps8oUaI/AAAAAAAACo0/F4MKIyhqPuYncu6jhxiVGJSC7HgKi8ovgCKgB/s1600/Dessert%2Bcups_0041_edited-1.jpg" title="Want to try peanut butter cups and a few variations? I have three healthy recipes for you! Try nut butter cups, tahini or goji berries. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For the chocolate -makes enough for approximately six cups</span></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>90g cacao butter (1/2 cup)</li>
<li>60g cacao powder (1/2 cup)</li>
<li>60g sweetener -I use honey</li>
</ul>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">~or~</span></i></b></div>
<ul>
<li>100g coconut oil (1/2 cup)</li>
<li>60g cacao powder (1/2 cup)</li>
<li>60g sweetener (3 tbsp)</li>
</ul>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For the fillings (choose one, or go half and half to try two different flavours!)</span></i></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>6 tbsp nut butter, sea salt</li>
<li>50g goji berries, sweetener, sea salt</li>
<li>2 tbsp cacao butter/coconut oil; 4 tbsp tahini; 2 tbsp sweetener; sea salt</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utLXSSTUe9o/VxU4lcgmNQI/AAAAAAAACo8/5xKO1EdNq8IsFL5NVPM5wuYMb6RGFUYkQCKgB/s1600/Dessert%2Bcups_0029_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Want to try peanut butter cups and a few variations? I have three healthy recipes for you! Try nut butter cups, tahini or goji berries. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utLXSSTUe9o/VxU4lcgmNQI/AAAAAAAACo8/5xKO1EdNq8IsFL5NVPM5wuYMb6RGFUYkQCKgB/s1600/Dessert%2Bcups_0029_edited-1.jpg" title="Want to try peanut butter cups and a few variations? I have three healthy recipes for you! Try nut butter cups, tahini or goji berries. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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First up, make the raw chocolate. Line a cupcake tin cake cases. Pop the cacao butter or coconut oil in a bowl over a saucepan of simmer water until melted. Whisk in the cacao and sweetener until smooth and glossy, and pour two tablespoons of the melted chocolate into each cake case. This should leave half the mixture left for the topping. If you're making the tahini cups you should be able to make at least 9 cups as there is no top chocolate layer. Pop into the freezer to set for 40 minutes to an hour.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsW5S-AdZsQ/VxU4lnAQ4FI/AAAAAAAACos/KwEqiglVGl0MXGVGjFFw1tZVyYLMPPlFgCKgB/s1600/Dessert%2Bcups_0032_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Want to try peanut butter cups and a few variations? I have three healthy recipes for you! Try nut butter cups, tahini or goji berries. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsW5S-AdZsQ/VxU4lnAQ4FI/AAAAAAAACos/KwEqiglVGl0MXGVGjFFw1tZVyYLMPPlFgCKgB/s1600/Dessert%2Bcups_0032_edited-1.jpg" title="Want to try peanut butter cups and a few variations? I have three healthy recipes for you! Try nut butter cups, tahini or goji berries. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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Meanwhile, make your fillings. There's no prep required for the nut butters, so just do your best not to demolish the jar whilst you're waiting. For the goji berries, tip into a bowl with a tablespoon of sweetener and pour over enough hot water to cover the berries and allow to rehydrate. Add a squeeze of lemon for an extra bit of tanginess. Just before you take the chocolate out of the freezer, drain and blend up the goji berries.</div>
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For the tahini, make in the same way you did the chocolate by melting the cacao butter or coconut oil and stirring in the tahini and sweetener. </div>
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Remove the chocolate from the freezer. For the nut butter and goji berries, add a tablespoon of the filling to the chocolate, trying to stay a couple of mm away from the edge. Pour over the remaining chocolate -again, about two tablespoons per cup. For the tahini, simply add on top of the chocolate without adding another chocolate layer. If you do have leftover chocolate, swirl it through the tahini. Then, pop all the chocolates back into the freezer for an hour to set, removing after 20 minutes to add a pinch of sea salt on to each. When set, keep the dessert cups in the fridge. Please note, the tahini cups made with coconut oil will come out softer than when made with cacao, but I personally really like this.<br />
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Liked these recipes? You can now also get my recipe for lime matcha butter cups as shown in the photo above, by heading to the <a href="http://www.filmoreandunion.com/matcha-lime-butter-cups-by-eleanor-may-c/" target="_blank">Filmore and Union</a> blog!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-34706704651170894332016-04-16T09:00:00.000+01:002016-04-16T09:00:40.245+01:00Tips to Avoid Injury and Improve Performance in Yoga<br />
Over the last few years of practicing yoga, I have picked up a few key tips that can help improve postures and avoid injury. As it is impossible for a yoga teacher to reiterate every single pointer in each class, it is quite possible that you could practice for months before hearing of even one of these. It is the smallest of adjustments that can make a difference to an asana, both in terms of it's effectiveness and safety. As I am not a qualified teacher, I have stuck to suggestions that I have had recommended several times. If in doubt, please speak to a teacher. Happy stretching!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFVamKri7pY/VxHsI7EZxmI/AAAAAAAACoQ/k79c_UdQwCM4uiPRLpDmQmQp4IrZE03fgCLcB/s1600/Iamvibes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFVamKri7pY/VxHsI7EZxmI/AAAAAAAACoQ/k79c_UdQwCM4uiPRLpDmQmQp4IrZE03fgCLcB/s1600/Iamvibes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: <a href="https://www.iamvibes.co.uk/" target="_blank">Iam Vibes</a></span></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Flex those feet</i></b></span><br />
When in pigeon pose, or another posture that involves a knee bend, keeping the foot flexed can help protect the knee from being pulled. When you're legs are outstretched, but not pressed into the floor, such as in shoulder stand, your teacher may recommend flexing here as well. Whilst less essential in terms of injury, flexing the foot extends the calf muscles, deepening your stretch. If you are already finding the pose difficult, consider softly pointing the toes instead.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Tuck the tailbone</i></b></span><br />
Tucking the tailbone, by actively tilting the pelvis down and forwards, stops your lower back from becoming strained. It is very easy to put all the bend of a heart opener or backbend into your lower back, rather than the rest of your spine. Tucking the tailbone (which can also be done by squeezing your glutes and associated pelvic muscles) restricts all the movement from being focused on the low back.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Find a focus point</i></b></span><br />
There's nothing more likely to make you topple from your dancer's pose than the person next to you wobbling in the corner of your eye. Really focus on a spot in front of you (6-8 feet is often suggested) and remember to keep breathing. Even if you do start to lose your balance, you are much more likely to recover when your gaze is steady.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Breath and hold</i></b></span><br />
Deep stretches can be one of the most challenging parts of yoga. Make sure that you are properly warmed up before holding the stretch -as the saying goes -as deep as you think you can go, then one degree further. Once there, for example, in splits, it is important to hold for a good few seconds whilst breathing slowly. I have been recommended to aim for around eight slow breaths. Focusing on the breath rather than holding for a time is good because it is the breath that sends signals to your muscles to relax into the stretch rather than resisting. With a break and a little shake between, try to hold the stretch a good three or four times with the breath to really help your muscles become more flexible. If you do find that you are in real pain, then do not hold a pose!<br />
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For more yoga articles, why not have a look on my posts giving you tips on <a href="http://greenandaquamarine.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/five-tips-to-starting-yoga.html" target="_blank">how to get started</a> with a yoga practice, and how yoga <a href="http://greenandaquamarine.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/using-yoga-to-aid-study.html" target="_blank">can help study</a> and productivity?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786061866109074909.post-67415956798778573942016-04-11T08:12:00.001+01:002016-04-11T08:12:22.583+01:00Aubergine Power Balls with Courgetti and Tomato Sauce<br />
I was going to call these vegetarian bites aubergine meatballs initially, but instead of giving them a name that conjures up images of bland meat replacements, I've decided to call them power balls. And why not, when these tasty morsels are nutrient power houses? KAP-OW. The fibre-rich aubergines are a source of the antioxidant nasunin, which has been found to protect the fats in brain cell membranes from free radicals. Chickpeas add protein, helping to make this a pretty balanced meal. I'll be having a go at making more falafel-style veggie balls and naming them all power balls, making them the savoury version of the much-loved energy bites (try my apricot and coconut bites <a href="http://greenandaquamarine.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/apricot-coconut-energy-bites.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Embrace the superpowers of your food and give them the epic names they deserve. Boom.<br />
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Recently, I have become a complete convert to making tomato sauce properly from scratch, giving it the time it needs to let flavours develop. Onion, garlic and olive oil provide the rich base for this sauce, with added spices adapting the flavour to suit your food. Here, I've added a touch of of smoked paprika. I love smokey flavours paired with aubergine and the way it reminds me of babba ganouch. The trick here is to not let the aubergines over cook. By working in batches and letting the aubergines sit in the pan for a couple of minutes each side stops the vegetable from becoming too soggy when blended up. If you do find that you have let the aubergines cook for too long, or just don't fancy meatball-like food, then just roughly blend the aubergine and chickpeas and stir directly into the tomato sauce and treat like mince.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pM879FX9M14/VwtMwIGcjRI/AAAAAAAACoA/pAyYeWbvCqEUlyZcOMXS9zS3bCMU88Z2g/s1600/Aubergine%2Bpowerballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Skip the meat and make these tasty aubergine power balls. Via @eleanormayc" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pM879FX9M14/VwtMwIGcjRI/AAAAAAAACoA/pAyYeWbvCqEUlyZcOMXS9zS3bCMU88Z2g/s1600/Aubergine%2Bpowerballs.jpg" title="Skip the meat and make these tasty aubergine power balls. Via @eleanormayc" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Ingredients -serves 2 with leftover power balls</span></i></b><br />
<ul>
<li>2 tsp chia or ground flax seeds</li>
<li>1 onion, chopped</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>1 tin chopped tomatoes</li>
<li>Smoked paprika</li>
<li>1 aubergine</li>
<li>1 can chickpeas</li>
<li>1 tsp dried mixed herbs</li>
<li>1/2 cup spelt or rice flour</li>
<li>1 medium courgette</li>
<li>Juice of half a lemon</li>
<li>Olive oil</li>
</ul>
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Mix the chia seeds with 6 teaspoons of hot water, stir and set aside to form a binding gel (optional). With a small amount of olive oil, cook half the onion in a pan, adding one clove of the garlic just before tipping in the chopped tomatoes. Add half of the can full of water to the pan. </div>
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Chop the aubergine in half and then into 2cm chunks and heat the olive oil over a medium heat in a frying pan. Cook the aubergine, in batches if needed, for a couple of minutes on each side with the rest of the onion. The aubergine should be just translucent where it has touched the pan, but still fairly solid looking. Add the garlic just before finishing, and remove from the heat when the garlic becomes fragrant without burning. Allow to cool briefly, using a spiraliser or peeler to turn the courgette into noodles in the meantime. Tip the aubergine mix into a food processor alongside the drained chickpeas, mixed dried herbs and ground pepper. Blizt until a smooth puree is formed, adding the flour as needed to form a sticky mixture. </div>
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Return the frying pan to the heat, with a scant amount of oil to stop the power balls from sticking. Using two tablespoons, form ball shapes out of the mix and add to the pan. Allow to cook for roughly a minutes before turning. Repeat until all of the mixture has been cooked into power balls. </div>
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In the food processor blend the tomato sauce until smooth. Share the courgette between two bowls and squeeze over the lemon juice. Add the tomato sauce before topping with the power balls. Keep leftover power balls in an airtight container to add to lunches over the next day or so.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17088025694577929338noreply@blogger.com0