Swimming with Fear Sharks
Few things feel better than swimming in the ocean. I have to qualify that statement with “in the ocean”, because open water is truly healing—an idea I used to find utterly ridiculous, until I began reading Blue Mind. Every morning, I wake up at 6am to do battle with my inner child who incessantly longs and cries for the easier, softer way. Together, we sleepily drag ourselves to the coffee maker, then the desk, then the car and finally, across the sand and into the surf. This has been my morning routine for a month now. It never gets easier. […]
New to yoga? Here are 6 mistakes to avoid that have nothing to do with injuries
This isn’t a post about injuries. If you’re new to yoga and have an injury/existing condition, here are a couple articles I highly recommend reading: The do’s and don’ts of practicing yoga with lower back pain Practicing yoga after hip replacement surgery You may also want to consult a private yoga instructor and/or physical therapist to better understand how you can modify certain postures, as needed. Once you have a good understanding of injury prevention (as it pertains to you, specifically), there are other important pitfalls to avoid when first developing your practice. Here are the 6 I see most […]
Coronavirus has us anxious and depressed. Here’s where to look for help.
In May 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau has surveyed 1 million American households to ask how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted things like employment, education, and personal finances. Embedded within that survey were “four questions taken nearly word-for-word” from the forms a family doctor might use to screen her patients for anxiety and depression, according to the Seattle Times. Responses indicate that 1/3rd of Americans feel depressed and/or anxious, a number that has skyrocketed to say the least. For perspective, consider: Anxiety affected an estimated 18.1% of Americans in 2016 Depression affected an estimated 7.1% of Americans in 2017 Because […]
Messages from the Black Lives Matter Movement
Trigger warning: This post contains thoughts on racism and the Black Lives Matter movement that are still forming. Please read and feel free to share your comments, along with links to other sources/leaders/ideas. Please also be kind. No matter how long I teach, I will always be amazed at the things students feel comfortable sharing with me. Even first-time students will confide things perhaps better saved for a priest or lawyer. Incontinence, IBS, marital woes—nothing seems to be off limits. Nor should anything be off limits. As a teacher, my first responsibility is to create a safe space for students […]
7 shockingly simple ways to feel more ‘recovered’
Chase recovery to feel at ease during times of duress (looking at you, coronavirus). Sometimes, it’s hard to stop. You know the feeling. Maybe your fingers are crawling through a salty bag of air-puffed goodness, just looking for another handful of empty calories. Or maybe you’re deep into Half Pigeon, and even though it feels tight, you think you can flatten out just a little bit more. Then, there’s a pop. Or a wave of nausea. And suddenly, you feel irritated and frustrated and angry for pushing things too far. If there’s one good thing about being ordered to stay […]
Can yoga protect you against stress and viral infection?
Most will agree: Yoga is a chill pill. For decades, it has been used as an adjunct treatment for various medical conditions. From rehabilitating injuries to augmenting substance abuse treatment, yoga has a long history of helping individuals rewire themselves in a profoundly positive way. But how? Thanks to f-MRI, genetic mapping, and lots of research, scientists are finally beginning to decode the benefits of this ancient practice. And while some findings are expected—like yoga’s ability to calm your body’s fight-or-flight system—others are surprising. Yoga, cytokines, and immunity If you’ve ever been to a yoga class, you’ve probably heard an […]
Chill! 4 weird ways to find joy during coronavirus quarantine
Do better than just ‘keep your sanity’. Remember when the words social distancing weren’t a part of your day-to-day vocabulary? It’s hard to think that was just a couple months ago. But today, everything has changed. Editorial note: This isn’t a doom and gloom post. There are plenty of legacy media outlets for that. If the words “everything has changed” sounded ominous, I do apologize. But it’s undeniable we’re living in unprecedented times. And while staying at home can be significantly detrimental to many families’ financial and mental health, I feel it’s important to remain optimistic. To me, practicing optimism […]
Cinnamon Coconut Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe | Slow Carb & Gluten Free
Looking for a new take on sweet potatoes? This “slow carb” sweet potato recipe will rock your world with just 4 simple ingredients. Plus, the serving size is about the size of an average person’s cupped palm. That makes it really easy to control portion size. One palm per meal if you’re trying to slim down. Two palms or more if you’re trying to build strength, muscle mass, or training for something intense (CrossFit, Muay Thai, BigFoot 250—you get the idea). Try them and remember—if you dig this recipe, you’re gonna love my online nutrition coaching program! Ingredients 1 to […]
Lean Mean & Super Green Veggie Casserole Recipe | Low Carb & Gluten Free
Disclaimer: This is not your ordinary vegetable casserole. Use of this recipe will result in unintended love for all things green. Approach with caution. This lean, mean, & super green veggie casserole is the perfect recipe for just about everyone. It’s a great option for: Keto/ low carb/ gluten free diets Vegan/ plant-based diets (substitutions listed after cooking instructions) Meal preppers – one casserole can be sliced up for 4-6 meals Veggie Casserole Ingredients 6 eggs 2-3 cups broccoli 10 oz spinach ¼ cup chia seeds ¼ cup hemp seeds Your favorite salt/sugar free vegetable seasoning 1-2 tablespoons olive oil […]
Banana Chia Blueberry Muffins Recipe | Low Carb & Gluten Free
This Banana Chia Blueberry Muffins recipe is my go-to when I’m craving something sweet. This recipe is relatively guilt free. Although blending fruit is never as good as eating it whole, this recipe has a bunch of other great things going for it. Like: It’s gluten free It’s sugar free It’s loaded with potassium, fiber, healthy fat, omega-3s (from the Chia Seeds), and flavenoids (from the dark chocolate/ Cacao Nibs) It can be vegan / plant-based! In the video below, I make this recipe without the egg (and maybe a little extra Chia Seeds). So if you follow a plant […]