Quit Taking Life So Seriously: A Lesson from My Yoga Class

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This morning during my Vinyasa yoga class the instructor said something that really caught my attention. In the midst of our downward dogs, chair and tree poses, he shouted, “Go ahead, have fun with it! I promise you if you let loose and don’t take yoga so seriously you’ll enjoy it a lot more.” It was true: the entire class was wayyyy to serious, as that’s the “normal” way to practice yoga. When I looked in the mirror and saw my fierce, intense, semi-scary looking expression, I decided I needed to relax and put a smile on. After all, that’s what yoga’s all about anyway, right? Relaxation, enjoyment, restoration. Why the need to be so serious all the time?

I have to say while it was a little odd at first to break my usual yogi mindset, I had one of the most enjoyable classes of all time. The instructor was upbeat, the room was buzzing with positive energy and instead of the usual music (you know the serene sounds of waterfalls and other instrumental tunes that make you want to fall asleep), he played an energizing mix of jazz and light rock. I was diggin’ it. I was able … Read More!

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Bold Moves

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I suppose I’ve always been one to make bold, spontaneous moves. When I was a sophomore in college and wanted to hop on a plane to visit a guy I’d been “seeing,” my dad told me I needed to stop following my hormones, and follow my heart. Then when I moved to Boston three months after graduation (without a job) because I was bored , many people thought I was absolutely crazy. But you know what, I didn’t care a bit about what others thought of my decision. After all, it’s my life after all, and I knew I’d figure it out. I always have. When I want something, I waaaantttt something, and go and get it.

That’s why I’ve decided to make the boldest decision of all, a decision that at first shocked/stunned/surprised and maybe even frightened many (especially my mother). I’ve decided to leave my full time job (yes, even in this terrible economy) to pursue my dreams of publishing a book and becoming a writer. I guess I finally took my dad’s advice of following my heart; it definitely isn’t my hormones speaking this time.

As I sit in a cafe writing and eating a fresh, delectable … Read More!

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Seven Simple Stress Tamers for the Working Woman

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When you work 9 to 5 (or 8 to 4 or all freakin’ day long) every day, it’s inevitable that you’re going to get stressed out from time to time. With deadlines, nonstop buzzing phones, grueling assignments, and noisy coworkers, you’d have to be non-human not to let the stress monster get to you every once in a while. I know for me, I don’t let stress affect me very often, but when it hits me, it hits me reallllll hard. So what are we to do? The only places you want to be right now are your bed, the beach or on a massage table, but you’re stuck in the office for at least five more hours. Doomed? Not just yet. Use these seven simple de-stressing tips and you’ll be back to your perky, happy, stress-free self in no time!

1. Remember to Breathe: Sometimes it’s just as simple as taking a few deep breaths once in a while. Breathe in, breathe out. There you go! Feel better? If you work in a small office, where people won’t judge you, take a few moments to lay down on your back and close your eyes (think: final relaxation phase … Read More!

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If Ya Can’t Read it, Don’t Eat it!

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Like many others, I used to be one of those people who immediately went to the back on the box, wrapper, bag, etc. to check calories and fat content. If it wasn’t in the ultra low calorie range, I’d chuck it back like a little kid grossed out by broccoli. Now that I’m a little older and a little wiser about what healthy actually is, I still go straight to the back of the package…but for something else: ingredients.

Yes, many “healthy” eaters are unaware of the importance of knowing exactly what you’re putting in your mouth. Forget calories, fat, sugar, and sodium for a second and take a good, hard look at the actual substance. For instance, many people would think that fat free flavored rice chips would be a semi-healthy choice, but when you read the ingredients on some of these “diet-friendly” choices it’s absolutely frightening. In fact, more often than not these diet foods have more than 20 ingredients, half of which you can’t even pronounce. If you wouldn’t dare try a diet you’ve never heard of before or date a guy without knowing his background, then why the heck would you put unknown, foreign ingredients in … Read More!

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Healthy Chickified “Yogurt Parfait”

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Enjoy this as a post-dinner treat or afternoon snack to get you over that midday work hump. I usually eat this when I’m craving something sweet after a savory dinner, but don’t have a craving (or any room) for ice cream, chocolate or anything heavy. Enjoy!

-1 cup plain low fat Greek yogurt
-handful fresh blueberries*
-1/2 banana, sliced into little chunks
-1 tsp. cinnamon
-few walnut halves (about 5)*
-Few sprinkles of shredded coconut
-1/2 TB flaxseed oil (optional)

~Mix all the wet ingredients together. Drizzle on cinnamon and a few walnuts. Finally, sprinkle on a bit of shredded coconut to top off this tasty treat. Enjoy!

*May substitute blackberries or raspberries for blueberries, or use slivered almonds instead of walnuts… Read More!

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Live in the Moment. . . And Don't Feel Bad About Doing It!

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Can you believe it’s already August? It seems like yesterday I was freaking out in early June about the horrendous bathing suit season and my non air-conditioned apartment. But now it’s already August?? WHAT??! That means only four months ’til the holidays come, and before you know it, it’s Valentine’s Day again. OK, OK…maybe I’m getting a little ahead of myself. But the one thing I know is time sure does fly by. And while it is cliché, it flies by even faster when you’re having fun…and I have to say I have been having a lot of fun lately.

When you’re living in the glorious city of Boston, it’d be a waste not to be having fun. So go out and try that delicious, hip restaurant your friends have been raving about. Go ahead ask out that certain someone you’ve been eyeing for the past month! Forget about work and bills for a day and take your beautiful family on a mini vacation to Maine or New Hampshire.

We have to seize the moment, live for the day and make the most of every single second of our lives! Yes, that sounds a little intense, but it’s true. So … Read More!

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Light ‘n’ Healthy Summer Pasta

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I made this tonight for dinner because I had some corn laying around but wasn’t in the mood for just plain old corn on the cob. When a pasta craving hit, I got inspired and this is what came of it. Not only was it extremely delicious, but it was nice and light, making for a perfect summer evening supper.

-1/2 c. whole wheat or brown rice pasta
-An ear of corn, fresh
-1/4 c. sweet onion, chopped
-1/4 c. baby bella mushrooms, pre-sliced
-1/4 c. each zucchini and yellow squash
-2 TB olive oil
-handful of freshly grated parmesan cheese
-s & p
-any herbs/spices you have on hand

1. Boil and cook pasta in small pot. In the meantime, chop up veggies and cook in olive oil on medium heat until tender.
2. Let cool for a bit then slice corn off of the cob and add into veggie mixture.
3. Once pasta is done, drain and add to pan with the rest of the ingredients. Stir well. Sprinkle on parmesan cheese and a dash of salt and pepper. I also added in some blended herbs for an extra zing.

Serve with a fresh field green salad topped … Read More!

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Plans? What Plans?

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Today I got to thinking about schedules, and how they are such a large part of our lives. As Americans, we take schedules so darn seriously. Work schedules, eating schedules, gym schedules, task schedules; the list goes on and on. And while normally schedules and being on time are thought of as responsible, good qualities, are they really all that healthy for us? Of course, it’s good to have some sort of “plan”, but is it really necessary to fill in every little detail in our day to day lives?

I used to be one of those obsessive food schedulers. You know the type…My diet was like clockwork. 8 a.m. breakfast, two hours later a healthy snack, lunch at noon, snack two hours later, dinner at 6 p.m. Dessert if hungry. It was insane, and if I didn’t follow my “schedule,” I’d drive myself absolutely crazy. Not to mention that most days I had exactly what I was going to eat pre-planned out. Thank God I no longer stress about that. Sure, I eat healthy but if I’m starving before lunchtime, I’ll eat a healthy, filling snack like some all natural peanut butter with an apple. If I have zero … Read More!

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Pack it Up: Healthy Workweek Lunches!

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The other day at work, my CEO ordered the entire team lunch from a local deli. A few of us chose from the “green” section of the menu, including myself. When a section claims it’s “green,” usually people assume the food is lighter, healthier, and well, a good option for lunch. But I usually keep my guard up, as I’m always a bit weary with these claims. After all, many people go to Panera when they want to eat light, not realizing that a good portion of their dishes are well over 1,000 calories-eek. Anyway, I ordered a field green salad with chicken salad on top. The menu said chicken with walnuts, onions and “just a touch of mayo,” so I thought: decent choice. Luckily, I felt OK after my not-too-healthy “healthy” meal, especially because I only drizzled on a little bit of light Balsamic. However, one of my coworkers was not as pleased. He ordered an Egg White Omelet with veggies and cantaloupe instead of home fries. You’d think something that comes with CANTALOUPE instead of home fries would be the cream of the crop in the world of healthy. However, that was not the case. He said it … Read More!

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How to Conduct a "Me" Day

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So this morning I woke up at 8 a.m. Yes, 8 a.m. on a Sunday…I honestly can’t recall the last time I’ve done that. The reason being? I laid low last night with two of my friends-we made dinner together, watched a movie, then walked to get some late night frozen yogurt before hitting the sack by 11. With nine solid hours of sleep, I woke up this morning feeling refreshed, healthy and rejuvenated (definitely can’t complain about that).

Anyway, since I woke up so early, I decided to make the best of my day and do things for “me.” So I skipped out on a beach trip with my two friends and really thought about what I wanted to make out of my day. Sure, I very well could have crawled back in bed and took this gorgeous Sunday as a day for R+R, but I decided to cease the day instead! After all, weekends only come so often and I’m a firm believer in making the most out of the day…out of life in general, really. Life’s too short to bum around…we have to put ourselves out there in this beautiful world we live in!

Well, it’s not … Read More!

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