AB-SESSION CONTINUES and CILANTRO GREEN SMOOTHIE RECIPE

I am now 2.5 months into my obsession with getting chiseled abs [thus ab-session].  My goal is to have a 6-pack showing... or as close to it as possible.  With teaching 9-10 fitness classes a weeks it is not too hard to achieve, except that I have to be diligent to give my body enough rest  to recover.  If there is not enough recovery time and the food is not right, instead of getting ripped there is a possibility of actually putting on a few pounds.  So, the abs could be ripped under the layer of fat, but it would be very hard to notice if the body does not have enough down time to recover, restore, recuperate and burn existing fat cell. 

I have to be very vigilant about doing just that.  My crazy schedule and even crazier personality hardly allow me to slow down.  I feel that even when I am asleep I am really awake--my brain won't stop working.  So, now I have to take extra percussion to force my goal-driven self to R-E-L-A-X.  It is only a 5 letter word, but it requires a lot of work on my part. 

Ready to see my achievement? [click on the image to see full-size]

I noticed that the mid section is more pronounced [bottom row middle image], and the obliques are more defined [left image on the bottom].  All of this in 2.5 months.  Not bad, huh?

The secret to my success, in addition to aforementioned rest and relaxation?  Good, clean nutrition.  Nutrition=Energy.  The cleaner the energy and easier to absorb the better my machine [my body] operates. 

I always make sure to consume 16-32 oz of green smoothies a day to help with my protein intake [greens are rich in protein] and to help recovery and tissue restoration process.  Greens are rich in Chlorophyll, which aids the restoration process.  Chlorophyll is like liquid oxygen. 

I also consume unprocessed foods in smaller portions, and now I TRY to stay away from my only weakness in life--bread.  I have found great ways to get wheat out of my diet with the latest discovery of buckwheat flour.  I now make the meanest pancakes out of it that even hubby, the wheat lover, likes.  I will post a recipe for them in the next few days. 

Today's green smoothie was out of this world.  Only 3 ingredients, but it was so delightfully refreshing. 

Pineapple Cilantro Green Smoothie

Makes close to 60 oz

• 2-3 cups water
• 1/2 bunch cilantro [about 2 cups if chopped]
• 4-5 collard greens leaves, stemmed
• 1/3 of large, ripe pineapple, cored*

*keep the core to blend it later and make facial mask out of it

That's it!  Simple, but SOOOOOO delicious.  Hubby and I split the pitcher, although he ended up with more ;)

Any secrets ab exercises  from my readers? I can always use more :)!

Never Ending To Do Lists and TONS of Vegan Recipes

I feel like I lived in the eye of a tornado for the last couple of weeks--spinning and circling around.  Thankfully, unlike a tornado, I was not destroying everything on my path, on the contrary, I have been creating :).

I have been hard at work on tweaking and beautifying my new blog, which will go live in the next few weeks.  I actually got to the point where I decided to hire someone to do the work for me rather than spend more countless hours on doing it myself and feeling frustrated.  Some things are better left for professionals. 

The latest vegan cooking class [in Dublin, OH] was a blast. Due to our cranky weather [snow, ice and other things not are not so nice] we had a couple of cancellation, but I remained undeterred and still held the class.  And I am so glad that I did.  I and hubby got to make a couple of new friends--we fell in love with them. 

Hubby and I with Angela and Robbin

I met Angela via Twitter.  Who would have thought?  She is a local blogger and it turns out she lives only a couple of miles away from me.  Small world indeed!

In the last few weeks I have also been hosting a lot of dinners, so every weekend was spent in the kitchen.  I think I am finally ready for a break from the kitchen and socializing :)  I do love people, but my introvertish self [I know it is hard to believe but do try ;)]  is crying out for some alone time. 

So, what have I been making for my friends?

Manicotti

Eggplants with Tomatoes

Cabbage Salad

Carrot Salad

Vegan Pizza

Green Salad with Raspberry Dressing

Foonchyozha

Apple Pie

Fruit Smoothies

Banana Muffins [using this recipe, but without pears]

Vareniki aka Ravioli, aka Pirogi

Vegan Potato Salad

Chocolate Chip Cookies

No, I did not make all of the dishes at ones, that would have been suicidal. or could have put me into an insane asylum!  This is my "guest" menu for the last 3 weeks. 

Try some of these recipes--I guarantee that you will lick your fingers clean!

Fitness Classes

My days have also been filled with teaching fitness classes.  I am now teaching 10 classes a week! [yep, you read it right-10!]  I teach: Total Body Conditioning, Flow Yoga and YogaPump [my brainchild!].  The craziest thing is that I actually do EVERY SINGLE move/pose with my students, so it is 10 hours of working out for me, in addition to a couple of hours spent at home preparing my class routines.  As you can imagine, I am now eating a bit more.  I also have to ensure that my recovery time is quick, so I do not collapse on a floor during a burpie, 

or a down-dog ;)

Image Source

Gocha ya! :) Although that is exactly what we humans do for a good stretch!

Image Source

I also have to increase my Green Smoothie intake to reduce my post-workout recovery time.  Today I whipped up a delicious one: 

Strawberry Spinach Green Smoothie

• 3 cups water
• 2 ripe bananas
• 3 cups ripe strawberries
• 1 tbsp maca root powder
• 2 tbsp dulse flakes
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds

Green Smoothie e-Guide Giveaway!

Speaking of Green Smoothies.  A good friend of mine, a blogger, participated in the recent 3-Day Green Smoothie Challenge I held.  She is now running a very special giveaway--a copy of my 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse e-book.  So, if you don't have a copy yet, head on over to Lucky Red Hen, follow her instructions for your chance to win.  Or, if you are impatient to get your own copy, head on over to the e-Store and get it today!

 
Raw Vegan Cooking Class 
[Blacklick, OH]

If you are local to Columbus OH metro area make sure to stop by the blog tomorrow.  I will make an announcement for the next vegan cooking class.  This time we will learn how to un-cook--the entire menu will be raw--all fun, and all vegan: drinks, salads, main dishes and desserts!  You would not want to miss the raw goodness!

raw cheesecake

Until tomorrow: Have a Vegalicious night!

3 Green Smoothie Recipes

As promised in my last post, here are the three recipes I whipped up yesterday for my hubby for his 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse [these will last him about 1.5-2 days, especially with my help ;)].

Papaya Parsley Green Smoothie

• 2-3 cups water
• 1/2 bunch parsley
• 3 large leaves collard greens
• 2 cups papaya 
• 1 ripe pear
• 2 tbsp dulse flakes [optional]
• 2 tbs hemp seeds [optional]

Clementine Romaine Green Smoothie

• 2-3 cups water
• 1 head romaine lettuce
• 2 bananas [fresh or frozen]
• 3 clementines
• 1/2 bunch parsley

Orange Collards Green Smoothie

• 2-3 cups water
• 5 large leaves collard greens
• 1 apple, cored
• 2 oranges, peeled and seeded

For all three, place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Green smoothies can be stored in a refrigerator up to 3 days.  I strongly suggest using glass containers only, as plastic will leach harmful chemicals into your food.

Enjoy! And consider joining my husband on his modified 3-day green smoothie challenge.

Green Smoothie Recipes and Musings

If you have not yet read about the 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse [my Challenge to you], make sure to visit the latest post and join the revolution.  A lot of readers and health seekers have already responded and we will start rocking it out in the next few days.  Don't miss your opportunity to start the New Year off on the right... meal ;)

As I am typing this post I am drawn to the kitchen--my senses are overwhelmed with the most amazing smell of freshly made borsch--a Russian soup gone vegan :)

I am planning to gobble it up with freshly made whole wheat bread [DELICIOUSNESS!].

If you are a raw foodie and still want to taste the goodness of this soup, your prayers have been answered.  I have a raw vegan borsch recipe just for you!  Go to this thread for it. 

I also have to tell you that I am super psyched because I was notified that I won an herb basket from Raw Epicurean--one of my favorite raw vegan bloggers. I even did a little dance in my office chair this morning when I got her e-mail. See the goodies that I am getting: 

There are more goodies coming my way than what you see in the image!  

If you don't yet follow Raw Epicurean's blog, make sure to add it to your feed!

A little too much excitement for one day?!  Nah! I can handle more.  And to share my excitement here are 3 Green Smoothie recipes for all those who love their bodies and want to treat them to the best food out there. 

Orange Ginger Green Smoothie

• 3 cups water
• 3 extra large collard greens leaves
• 1 banana
• 2 oranges, peeled and seeded
• 1 inch of ginger root
• 1 tbsp raw honey

Pear Chard Green Smoothie

• 2 cups water
• 1 banana
• 2 ripe pears, seeded
• 3 large leaves chard greens

Green Warrior Green Smoothie

• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup George's aloe vera
• 2 pink lady apples
• 1 large head Romaine lettuce
• 1 tsp Blue-Green Algae [by Health Force Nutritionals]
• 1 tbs raw maca root powder
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds

As you can imagine, having had these for the last few days, I am feeling fabulous! I am full of energy, need less sleep and up to a lot of mischief. If you want to feel the same way make sure to join me on the 3-day Green Smoothie Challenge.

Comfort Food: Vegan Bread Pudding

I rarely get sick... ever!  A few weeks ago my husband and I visited his family in NJ and he, as brilliant as he is and as much as I love him, made a fatal mistake right BEFORE the trip--he worked out at a gym and went outside without enough coverage to protect his body, while the temperatures outside were dropping.  So, as you can imagine he got sick... while we were traveling!   No big deal. [right... ;(].  We got him feeling well in only a couple of days.  

You would think that he had learned his lesson!  But NO!  He did the same thing again... right before Thanksgiving!  As a result he came down with a cold.  Now, I have a strong immune system and my diet is impeccable, but when hubster gets sick, no matter what with, he ends up with the worst dry cough.  Both of us were getting little to no sleep because of it, while I was still teaching fitness classes.  And, although I took care of me the best I could, my body could no longer take the abuse and I ended up with his bug--talk about sharing. 

[hubster was cared for by me, so, even in spite of my best practices--no sugars while sick--I got suckered into baking him an apple pie (recipe can be found in the Guilt Free Delicious Vegan Desserts e-book)]

After teaching a power yoga class yesterday morning I got home and still cleaned the house, but then I developed a headache, then the body ache and a fever and then I knew--I am in for a ride. 

Thank God that I have a few tricks up my sleeve (read Staying Well During the Flu and Cold Season and Treating Colds and Flus Naturally).  I was drinking green smoothies, my health elixirs and mixtures and downing oregano oil as if it was my only hope. 

[I normally buy Oreganol's wild Oregano oil, which comes out to a whopping $30+tax for only 1 oz, but this week I lucked out when I stopped by Raisin Rack in Westerville OH and found their in-house brand for HALF the price!  Just imagine my excitement!]

I hate being sick because I despise being slowed down for any reason.  Yesterday, however, I spent most of the day on a couch in front of a TV.  By the end of the day I was too tired of sitting down and too sick of television, so I cleaned the house [again] and then decided to glam myself up for a mini self-portrait session. 

The excitement was short-lived though and I was craving all kind of foods.  Thankfully I was easily satisfied with our Thanksgiving leftovers: potato salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, Asian salad that I make and freshly made cranberry sauce.  I was still trying to behave though--no sugars and lots of green smoothies. 

Today [yes, I know, you get to read my boring sick story ;)] I endured only a couple of hours of hanging out on a couch before I rebelled and started to clean every nook and cranny, then fully unpacked the office, scrubbed every surface, did laundry, made myself a smoothie and lunch, and finally, by 4 pm crashed with 100 F fever.  BUT... I felt better about being productive. 

The appetite was non-existent compared to yesterday, but by evening I was craving comfort food.  So finally, at about 7 pm I succumbed to my internal pressure, pulled out bread stuffing leftovers [I made it with celery and cranberries], mixed it with a bit of barley soup I cooked up yesterday [I know it sounds crazy, but bear with me], added coconut creamer, water, baking soda and flour and baked myself yummy bread pudding.  I initially wanted to make it savory, but hubby, having his sweet tooth as usual, requested sweet bread puddin'.

Let me tell you, folks, it turned out fabulous!

On the first round I topped it with Toffuti's Better Than Cream Cheese, on the second round I splashed it with fresh cranberry sauce and Toffuti's Better Than Sour Cream and... my taste buds were in heaven.  I still wish I made half of it savory, but no deep regrets here.  Leftovers, at times, turn out to taste even better than the original dishes. :)

I have a plan to be fully recovered by tomorrow, in time to teach my 5:30 pm power yoga class, so, more Oregano Oil and more fluids for me, along with me health elixirs.  Here is a recipe of one of my Ninja Smoothies that Kills Flues and Colds on a Fly :)

• 1-2 cups water
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 1 finger ginger root
• 1 tsp algae
• 1 ripe pear or banana
• 3 large kale leaves

If this does not get you well I am not sure what will :)

Stay well!

Not Missing and Pear/Collard Greens Smoothie

I am not MIA, I promise.  I am still pulling things together from our recent trip to New Jersey/New York.  I am still unpacking and keeping busy with my photography business [and loving it].  I am also teaching five [yes five] Power Yoga classes a week to book [you can find me at Aspen Fitness in Reynoldsburg OH!].  I am still "making house"--unpacking and settling in.  Things look like I might have a few moments this week to do a few posts with some recipes.  So, I will chat with you all SOON! :)

[an image from our trip to NY (Time Square)] 

[a friend of mine and I traveled to an IKEA store in Cincinnati where I bought three gorgeous bookshelves, and they are now almost set up! just a few more boxes to unpack, a couple of pictures/paintings to hang and my office will be officially open for business ;)]

[meanwhile we have been eating fabulously at home... 

...and on the trip in NY]

Enjoy this delicious green smoothie: 

Pear/Collard Greens Smoothie

• 2-3 cups of water or water kefir
• 1/4 cup George's aloe vera [optional]
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 large ripe pear
• 1 orange, peeled and seeded
• 3-4 large collard greens leaves
• 1 cup cilantro greens
• 1-2 tbsp dulse flakes
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds

The taste is amazing!  Enjoy it and Stay well!

Coconut Bliss Ice Cream Winner & Rainbow Chard Green Smoothie

Mr. Random.org helped me to make the decision :)  There were 24 entries for the drawing... and the winner is:

#22 entry was from Melanie Swan

Melanie, shoot me an e-mail with your address and I will send you a coupon for a box of Coconut Bliss bars :)  You will just have to come back and tell us what you got and how you liked it :)  Congratulations!

For the rest, thank you for your entries :)  I hope to make it up to you with this refreshing Green Smoothie recipe:

Rainbow Chard Green Smoothie

• 2 cups water or water kefir
• 1 large Fuji apple, cored
• 2-3 very large rainbow chard leaves
• 2 inch long ginger root, peeled
• 1 tbs maca root powder

The smoothie, because of ginger in it, has a little kick to it, so it's not for the faint of heart :)

Good day to all!

Power Yoga Classes in Reynoldsburg OH & Other Things

Power Yoga Classes

BIG Announcement first :)

It's on! My training schedule at the new facility is official. Anyone on Columbus metro area with membership at Aspen Fitness will have access to my classes.

As of next week [starting 11/15]I will be teaching Power Yoga at the Reynoldsburg OH location of Aspen Fitness.  Make sure to come out to one or all of these classes:

Monday: 5:30 pm

Tuesday: 11 am and 5:30 pm

Thursday: 5:30 pm

Saturday: 9:30 am

You will discover and train muscles you did not know you had, meanwhile becoming more flexible and toned.

Power Yoga classes are very upbeat, encompassing cardio, flexibility and strength training. It is also great for weight loss!

So, mark your calendars and make sure to come out starting 11/15/10 to Aspen Fitness off 7064 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2010.  Come yourself and tell others!

The membership fees are only $10-19 per month [depending what you choose]!  It's a brand new facility and classes are included at no additional charge!

Feel free to contact me for any details.

__________________________________________________________

Unpacking and What I learned About Myself

So, we ditched our new/old place that we moved to when we came to Ohio.  It simply did not sit well with us and was not US...  We love feeling comfy and cozy and we love to entertain, but the place where we were was anything but conducive to that. So... we bit the bullet, paid our dues and moved out to a better place in Dublin OH.  

The move was anything short of crazy.  We moved to a place on a third floor :(, AND I booked a photo session for the same day.  No, it was not intended, but just happened that way.

Thankfully we had a couple of friends help us move.  The stairs, though, killed us all. 

I was determined, however, that we would have as much unpacking done as possible the first day [by we I mean me, because hubster had to work].  So, the day after I had the bedroom unpacked and set up, kitchen almost unpacked and living room... almost set up. 

 

I even cleared enough space to work out

My office is still all in boxes [what you see is books for the most part--a real chore to get to the 3rd floor!]

So, what have I learned?  Don't more to the third floor--hire movers, and don't try to be a superwoman--scheduling a session and a move on the same day is pretty much madness. 

As of today I made more progress--the living room is starting to look lovely. I just need to hang pictures and curtains.  I also ordered a brand new desk for my office and will go shopping for bookshelves next week [can't wait!].

All the while, though, we still enjoyed our delicious vegan foods: green smoothies, veggie wraps, vegan whole wheat pizza, brown rice and beans:

I hear that brown rice and bean combo is referred to as poor man's meat, because it is packed with protein, but I can tell you that it is so much better and leaves you feeling great, as opposed to going into a food induces coma. 

Today's Green Smoothie was fantastic!

Dandelion Green Smoothie

• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup George's Aloe Vera
• 1 large bunch dandelion greens
• 2 bananas
• 2 oranges
• 1 fuji apple
• 2 tbs dulse flakes
• 2 tbs flax seeds
• 2 tbs raw cacao nibs

It was a great pre- and post- workout meal. 

__________________________________________________________ 

Vegan Cooking Class in Dublin OH & Coconut Bliss Giveaway

If you are in/around Columbus OH metro area, don't forget to sign up for a plant based cooking class, which will take place next Friday, 11/19 at 7 pm.  Only 5 spots are left.  Check out details here. 

Also, don't forget to enter a vegan ice cream giveaway, which ends tomorrow!

Until next time: Stay Well!

Raw Vegan Week Challenge: Day 3 {Pineapple Salsa}

Before I tell you about my raw food adventures let me tell you this: I am very excited... once again :)  CSN stores contacted me and offered to do another review of their products.  How can I say no to that?  I am always itching to try new gadgets.  I have even been tempted to visit their dining room chairs section.  My dining room set is getting up there in age and I have to either replace it or find a way to freshen it up... Decisions, decisions, decision... Knowing myself, though, I will probably end up getting another kitchen gadget ;).

Now, let's get to business: The raw week challenge continues.  My hubby, who initiated the challenge, had struggled a couple of times with his desire for baked sweets.  I had actually enjoyed watching him being tormented, because he tries to trick me into asking him for sweets, thus creating an excuse for him to have some too.  Thankfully I am not easily tempted by sweets, and I also have an iron will.  

Last night, as we relaxed, we caught a few minutes of the Cake Boss on TV.  Hubby's puppy eyes made their way to my face, locking onto my gaze: "Would you like me to go get you a chocolate cake, dear?" he said.  I tried holding myself from bursting with laughter, but, alas, I simply could not hold it in. "No, thank you!" I said, nearly rolling off the couch.  Poor guy, he seemed crushed... and I loved every second of it ;)

I know that makes me sound cruel, but this is a great opportunity for him to exercise self-control when it comes to sweets, and... I will reward him at the end of the week with my famous vegan apple pie. 

Today we had a Parsley Green Smoothie

• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup George's Aloe Vera
• 2 oranges
• 2 bananas
• 2 handfuls of baby spinach
• 1 large handful curly parseley
• 2 tbsp flax seeds
• 2 tbsp dulse flakes

For lunch I made Pineapple Salsa and served it with organic, baked corn chips*

• 1/2 pineapple, chopped into small cubes
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 1/4 cup dices onions
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 ripe avocado cubed
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped into small cubes
• Himalayan salt to taste
• a dash of your favorite seasoning {I use Kirkland Organic mix}
• 2-3 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 tbsp raw honey [only if your pineapple is not sweet enough on its own]

Mix all ingredients and serve with chips

*even though the chips that I served were not raw they were still a good healthful option.

I have not yet made any plans for dinner, except that I am making some incredible flax crackers--they are dehydrating as I am typing this post. 

Good and healthful day to all of my readers!  If you have any simple, yet fantastic raw recipes that I could use during the remainder of this week, please do share with me.

PS: I am preparing my next Newsletter edition, in which I will talk about electrolytes [what they are and what to do with them ;)].  So, if you have not yet signed up for the Newsletter, scoot on over to my blog and sign up to get your copy!  There will be a very special offer in it... I promise!

Raw Vegan Week Challenge

My lovely hubby decided to challenge me to a whole week of raw eating this week.  That was not in my plans!  However, I love him too much not to help him--he wants to do it to lean out a little more to show off his six pack.  I told him that I will do my best but did not commit to 100% raw, although I think I will be sticking to at least 90% raw vegan diet this whole week. 

Going raw does not require much preparation, if you have done something like this before.  We went to a couple of stores yesterday and loaded up on tons of fresh produce.  We are READY!

This morning I made Banana Pear Green Smoothie: 

• 3 cups water
• 2 bananas
• 1 pear
• 3 tbs flax seeds
• 3 large handfuls spinach

For lunch I made a cucumber salad, almost all raw:

• 1 English cucumber, sliced on a mandolin slicer, or you can slice by hand
• 1 avocado, cubed
• a handful of marinated artichoke hearts, chopped [optional]
• 2 springs green onion, diced
• 1 tbsp vegan mayo [Veganaise]
• Himalayan salt to taste

In the afternoon I attempted to make raw Squash soup and found out that this is one of those foods that I prefer cooked instead of raw.  I am not a big fan of sweet soups to start with [although I seasoned mine with salt it still was sweet], but blended raw squash simply was not too pleasing to my palate.  So, I abandoned the soup for sliced avocado sprinkled with salt and drizzled with raw honey instead, following up with a crisp apple served in the same manner. 

I am content for now, but have an intense power yoga class coming up tonight so I need to prepare myself for after the work out snack.  [If you live in/around Westerville, OH area, come to join me for a Power Yoga workout at Power Shack, located at 6363 Copper Rd. Westerville, OH at 6:45 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.  You will be glad you did because you will feel fantastic afterward!]

So, any other vegan raw foodies wanna-bes out there?

And since I do not consider a post complete without a picture, here is a recent one of me my hubby snapped:

Have a fantastic day!

Got Greens?

I have a perfect candidate for a green smoothie campaign.  He is strong, muscled, totally HOT and... he is my husband.  Check out where he gets his strength...

Every morning we serve green smoothies for breakfast in our home.  Today we had an...

INTERNATIONAL GREEN SMOOTHIE

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup George's Aloe Vera
• 2 large handfuls of Australian Spinach
• 4 large leaves of Chinese Cabbage
• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 tbsp maca root powder
• 2 tbsp dulse flake

...and that is how we grow our muscle :)

Have a fantastic day!

Greener than Green {Green Smoothie Recipe and Power Yoga in Westerville OH}

Exciting times!  I am finalizing plans on the start day of teaching my first Power Yoga class in Ohio.  It is very, VERY exciting.  Here are the details {and please don't mind me speaking of myself in third person, since I had to prepare this information for a flyer to be handed out :)}:

Mark Your Calendars! Classes Begin October 18!


Power Yoga at Power Shack
6363 Cooper Rd, Columbus OH

For more information contact Elena:
360-355-7370

Class Schedule
Monday & Wednesday
6:45 pm-7:45 pm





Fee:

• $15/per class drop ins and 1-4 classes
• $12/per class for 5-9 classes, paid in one payment
• $10/per class for 10+ classes, paid in one payment

About Instructor
Elena has practiced Power Yoga since 2008 and taught since 2009. She started taking yoga classes to help heal her hypothyroid condition, as yoga has many inverted poses that increase blood flow to the thyroid gland. She found yoga to be fun and full of challenging opportunities. With exercise and dietary lifestyle changes Elena was able to reverse her hypothyroid condition, lose unwanted weight and tone her body. Since then she made the decision to help others on their quest to better health. Her teaching style is fun, challenging and precise.

About Power Yoga
Power yoga is a general term used in the West to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. Unlike Ashtanga, power yoga does not follow a set series of poses. It emphasizes strength and flexibility. Elena's style of teaching does not involve any meditation, but rather focuses on the physical benefits of Power Yoga.

About Class
Dress in comfortable clothing. We practice in bare feet. Bring your own sticky [floor] mat. Come prepared to move, stretch, balance, increase your strength and have fun.

Newcomers are always welcome. Elena will accommodate all levels of difficulty: beginners, intermediate and advanced.

________________________________________________________

If you are in/around Westerville, OH area, I hope you can come out and join me for fun, strength building exercises.

Meanwhile, to help you with your workouts and recovery times, here is a green smoothie you can eat pre/post a workout:

Pear Green Smoothie

• 2 cups water
• 2 pears
• 1 banana
• large handful of cilantro
• handful of basil leaves
• bunch of rainbow chard
• 2 tbs dulse flakes
• 2 tbs hemp seeds

Blend and enjoy before or after a workout. 

Workout Green Smoothie and Mr. Eggplant Head

Good Afternoon, Loves!  Hope you are having a FABULOUS day!  I can tell you that I am!  Hubby is off today, so we did 50 mins power yoga, then downed a green smoothie and headed off to the gym for some more beating workout :)  

My workout: 

Power Yoga--50 mins

Elliptical--1.1 mile

Back, abs, triceps and biceps--40 mins

Treadmill--1 mile

Food Intake:

An apple before yoga

Green Smoothie before gym

Lots of water

Green Smoothie after gym

Couple of slices of vegan pizza

Workout Green Smoothie Recipe

3-4 servings

I use all ORGANIC ingredients and filtered water

• 2-3 cups water
• 4 leaves colored greens
• large handful parsley [I used curly parsley]
• 1/2 tbs blue green algae [I use HealthForce Nutritionals brand]
• 2 bananas
• 2 plums
• 1 tbs raw cacao nibs

Blend in a high speed blender [VitaMix 5200 or Blendtec Total Blender] for best results. 

Enjoy!

I have to share this little cutie with you--Mr. Eggplant Head: 

I was at a Farmer's Market last week and scored a few eggplants.  When I saw this one I had to get it.  It immediately made me think of a  very quirky guy with a french accent.  I had to get it!  So, a couple of days ago, before cooking it, I brought him to life first :)  Isn't he cute?  It is unfortunate, but Mr. Eggplant Head was cooked and tasted even better than he looked :)

In the next couple of days I will post a recipe for the Creamed Mushroom Polenta. 

For today, enjoy your life!

PS: If you are in the Columbus OH metropolitan area and are looking to learn how to cook for health, weight loss and well-being, make sure to register for the upcoming plant-based cooking class, held by yours truly :)

My Amazing Morning {Bible, Power Yoga and Green Smoothie}

I am loving the weather in Ohio.  It is sunny and mild.  Since I am temporary staying home to take care of the household [unpacking, paperwork, etc] I have the luxury to sleep in a little and then indulge in a slow morning routine: reading my Bible, drinking a green smoothie and exercising. 

Today was fabulous!  I feel so refreshed and ready for the day. 

My favorite Scripture from today's reading is Psalm 4:4-5:

"Be angry and do not sin.

Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, 

And put your trust in the Lord."

Reading and mediating on these verses puts my heart at rest.  God is in total control of our lives and there is no reason to worry about anything. 

While I was reading and mediating on the Scripture I sipped on a Kale Green Smoothie. 

Kale Green Smoothie

makes 4 servings

• 2-3 cups water
• 6 kale leaves
• 2 pears
• 1 banana
• 2 plums
• 2 tbs hemp seeds

After that... Power Yoga!!!  I feel like I have been out of circulation for too long!  Two weeks!  Yes I worked out in between and even went to a Pilates class at our gym yesterday [Lifestyle Fitness in New Albany OH], but it was not the same.  My body was aching to have every muscle and ligament stretched. 

To make for a pleasant workout I went yoga mat shopping last night, with my sweet hubbster.  It was time for an upgrade, as my old mat is falling apart.  I ended up finding a wonderful Stott Pilates mat [although it is pale pink (pink is not my favorite color for a mat)] at Marshall's for only $15!  I had my doubts about it, but once it was unrolled and I landed my feet on it, I was in "mat-love".  It is here to stay!

 

This morning I needed a little help to get back in the groove, so I exercised to MTV's Power Yoga Video.  It's worth every penny I spent on it :)  Fantastic for a good stretch.    [excuse the white walls and wires--I am still unpacking ;)]

Now that I am ready for the day I am planning to hit a couple of libraries.  You don't even know how excited I am to be back around a place with TONS of libraries that are open until 8-9 pm!  I am a book-worm, as is my husband, so finding libraries nearby us is a thrill!!!  Then I want to visit a local gym and see if I can land myself an instructor job there, while I am still waiting to find out if I passed the exam.

Dinner plans for today: Polenta with Creamed Mushrooms!!!  I will try to post a recipe for it tomorrow. 

Have a fantastic day!  And do tell me how you got yourself up and going this morning?  What is your "waking-up" routine?