Healthy Chicks

Yesterday during the final meditation phase of my Pranavayu yoga class at Exhale, our teacher (David Magone) said something that really stood out to me. Each day he brings a new lesson to his practice, and yesterday’s was on worrying.

He said that we all spend far too much time worrying, jumping from one worry to the next, that we’re wasting time. As we’re busy taking time to worry, we’re actually hurting ourselves by missing out on the time we have to take action.

For the next 10 minutes, he had us lay there on our mats, eyes closed. Whenever a worry was to jump to our mind, we were to mentally bring ourselves back to the practice, the now. After all, a worry is something that comes from the inside, and by the power of our mind we can shut that worry out for a while, or ultimately eliminate it alltogether.

If you’re like me, you worry way too much about things that aren’t even worth worrying about. For instance, I tend to worry too much about the future: the what if, the but, the fear of the unknown. However, lately I’ve realized that worrying isn’t going to … Read More!

I just finished running my second half marathon this morning, that is the Newport Half Marathon. I ran the race with my sister, father, cousin and her husband. I also had my very proud boyfriend and mother there cheering me on for support. I must say there’s nothing like the feeling you get looking up at people you love all around you.

Nor is there anything like the  feeling of running for a purpose…with a dream. After all, that is why I run now. Forget exercise. Yes, that’s a plus. But I run for the high. I run to l.e.t g.o. I run to feel powerful, to feel alive. I run for me. And that’s what is important. I am extremely proud of myself for completing my second half marathon, with a personal record to top it off. I’m mostly proud of myself for running with my all, you know my heart & soul.… Read More!

Yesterday evening, there was no doubt fall was in the air. That’s why I decided to embrace the crisp weather and whip up an autumnal fall feast. I was craving salmon, so I based my dinner around the fish and my thinking cap went into full-fledged action. In a few minutes, I came up with a brilliant idea to make a baked cajun salmon with mango salsa, paired with roasted parmesan cauliflower and finally a kale & avocado salad.

Want to mimic last night’s dinner for yourself?

Here’s how:

Fresh Kale & Avocado Salad

• Bunch of fresh green kale
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 3 TB olive oil
• 1/4 c. fresh shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
• salt & pepper
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• handful pinenuts (optional)

~Mix ingredients together thoroughly, and chill for about an hour before serving (to give time for olive oil & lemon to soak up for ultimate flavor)

Roasted Parmesan & Garlic Cauliflower

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• handful of parmesan cheese (to taste)
• salt & pepper
• 1 tsp. cajun seasoning
• olive oil

1. Spread cauliflower out on a coated baking sheet. Top with garlic, parmesan cheese, cajun, … Read More!

Who said ladies’ day out has to include martinis and chick flicks?

This past Sunday, a good friend and I were way overdue for a girls’ day. You know, a solid day of gossip, chit-chat, excitement and fun. Typically, when you think of ladies’ night (or day) out, you think martinis, comfort food, and Sex and the City on repeat. But times have changed, my friend. A solid date with your lady friend no longer has to consist of eating your feelings away with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and DVR.

In fact, ladies’ day out can, and should be, a way to catch up and have a productive, healthy day at the same time! So my friend and I planned our day accordingly, and hit the Charles River for a 4-mile walk and talk sesh. It didn’t even feel like exercise, and by the time we were done, both of us were fully caught up on each other’s crazy lives. We then skipped the nachos, and head over to Whole Foods for a hearty dinner. Um, have you seen their salad bar and hot buffet? Yum. We finished our perfect day with a little grocery shopping, … Read More!

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who knew 2 TB of these bad boys can aid with digestion, control cholesterol levels & give you a dose of heart-healthy Omega 3s?

Good afternoon ladies! Hope you’re all having a fabulous Friday, and are ready to embrace the weekend. I’m doing great, other than the fact that my body is extremely sore from the Core Fusion class I took last night. It’s a good pain however, you know the kind you get when you know you pushed yourself a little farther and really challenged your body. I did have to skip my morning long run this morning however, but I’m OK with it as I knew it was right for my body and didn’t want to force myself or risk getting injured.

Anyway, it’s Friday and you know what that means: time for Friday Favorites! Here’s what’s on my top list this week.

Flaxseed: I bought a bag of Bob’s Red Mill Whole Ground Flaxseed Meal the other day, and have been obsessing over it ever since. I’ve always been a fan of flax and know it works wonders for your diet, but I’ve been slacking on this miracle-worker lately. Did you know that just … Read More!

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This is a post from the past, but it’s been burried for far too long and I felt today was the perfect crisp day to bring it back. You see it advertised all the time at Starbucks and other snazzy cafes: the infamous Chai Tea Latte. But there’s no need to travel to a cafe and spend money, time and fuss to enjoy the same flavor you can at home!

Drink this alternative, yet just as delicious, beverage after dinner to end your meal with something sweet ‘n’ tasty, or cozy up with this delicious cup o’ tea any time you need to warm up. Alas, the simple recipe for a perfect fall drink…enjoy!

• 1 c. organic vanilla soy milk or almond milk
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 black tea bag (green tea works too!)

1. Microwave the milk in a microwave safe mug for 1 1/2 minutes.

2. Seep the tea bag in the milk for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.

3. Stir in the nutmeg and cinnamon. . . enjoy! (Really it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!)

XoXo,

… Read More!

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The other day, my friend from work was kind enough to make me a green smoothie with Maca Powder in it for an extra zing. Maca what, you ask. If you’re like me you may have never heard of it, but let me tell you that you most definitely want to.

This powder is made special from a root vegetable grown in the mountains of Peru. Nutrient-packed with minerals, amino acids, vitamins and enzymes, this superfood also contains 55 helpful phytochemicals.

But that’s not all! Here are just a few other benefits of this miracle powder*

*from SuperFoodLiving.com

• Phytochemicals for increased energy levels & feeling of happiness
• packed 20 different fatty acids, along with various beneficial vitamins and minerals like B12 and Vitamin C
• Can improve your sex life (go libido!)
• known to improve fertility
• Contributes to the regulation of hormones
• Reduces some forms of stress, making for a happier, more positive day!
• Can help enhance the memory & improve general learning throughout the day
• Is said to reduce signs of aging, leaving the skin healthy, glowing and beautiful

Maca powder tastes wonderful in a smoothie or milkshake, or even added into your morning … Read More!

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Yoga is many things for many different people. It’s a way of letting go, finding inner peace, and energizing your body. Yoga can be a stress reliever, a segway to greater flexibility (and a better sex life) and even life saver for some.

So what if you were told that this Thursday, September 22, you could enjoy an entire complimentary day of yoga? Oh, and it gets even better. What if you heard it was hosted at the highly acclaimed Exhale Spa..all over the country?

Well ladies, this Thursday all your wishes and dreams will finally come true. Exhale Spa will be celebrating National Yoga Month with NamasDAY, an entire day dedicated to practicing yoga…for free. Not to mention there will be live music, goodies, and special promotions, depending on the location you choose.

So get your body ready for some downward-dogging ’cause you’ll be doing lots of it in a few days. Click here to select your location and reserve your free class today!… Read More!