Are Seasonal Changes Leaving You Feeling Sluggish?

It’s been rather windy and a lot more rainy here in Seattle (I think we got used to the great summer we had just few months ago) I still can’t believe that it is already winter! Changes in nature and weather always lead to changes in our bodies so during this time, you might be feeling slow, heavy, and sluggish sometimes and it can feel a bit difficult to shake off.

Here are a few suggestions to create balance and to energize and lighten you up.

Finding Balance:

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  • Detox! – A good way to detox your body is to do twisted yoga poses they help wring out your internal organs. Try the Bharadvaja twist – this gentle twist is a tonic for the spine and the abdominal organs. I also like to do a juice cleanse; there are lots of detox programs out there that you can find online. Make it your own for your specific needs and be really mindful of what works for your body and ask yourself if there’s any extra ‘weight’ you’re carrying around that you can shed? Perhaps it’s a way of thinking about what maybe keeps you feeling weighed down. Reflect and take it one step at a time to eliminate unnecessary baggage.
  • Practice Yoga – It takes a certain amount of will to practice yoga, finding the balance between will and acceptance in life is what you are learning in your yoga practice that can bring you an endless amount of peace, joy, courage and so much more. I know I feel better if I practice at least fifteen minutes of yoga or meditation a day, so I make it a part of my routine and priority.

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Make Space:

  • Making space within your body helps Prana (vital energy) move around more freely. You can make space in a number of ways: For the mind try meditating even if it’s only for a few minutes. I also like to create space by free writing in my journal every morning. Just write out whatever you’re thinking about; it’s a good way to release stagnant, repetitive thoughts so you can start your day clear minded. I try to do this throughout my day and most importantly in the morning, it helps create a positive outlook for the day ahead of me. For the body when you feel physically lethargic and heavy, focus on your legs by doing poses like Malasana (Squat), Utkatasana (Chair Pose), Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (one-legged Pigeon). These poses will help increase circulation and free up your joints.

 

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  • Try dry brushing – I have just recently tried this at home and I have experienced wonderful results, this helps release and eliminate waste and toxic build up by stimulating your lymphatic system. It also increases circulation and ladies, it also reduces cellulite!! The key is to start at your feet and brush your skin towards your heart.

 

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  • Eat lighter meals – I know, I know, the holidays are right around the corner and a large serving (or two) can be hard to resist but just try to limit yourself on all the sugar and heavy greasy and yummy foods that we know will be around at the dinner table. Digestion is an important part of our health and affects how we feel on so many levels, so it’s important to eat to support our digestion. You want to focus on foods that are easy to digest, light on the stomach, and not too heavy that won’t leave you feeling bloated, light-headed, or in a food-coma.

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  • Use warm herbs & spices in your dishes – this is especially great during the winter and holiday season. Ones like anise, basil, fennel, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, rosemary & vanilla. Using spices like cayenne and peppers to your meals is a good idea too. This helps turn the heat up in your body and will help burn away excess Kapha – according to Ayurvedic practices. Also spices make food taste even better!

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Let Go:

  • De-clutter! Letting go of things can be really helpful and quite liberating when you aren’t feeling your best, it’s like spring cleaning! Practice detachment from material possessions, comforts and things that upset you and do a thorough cleaning so you can feel refreshed. I used to have a difficult time getting rid of clothes that I never wore, they just hung in my closet. But learning how to let items go in the physical world makes such a huge difference in my internal world. I promise you, you’ll feel like a new woman/man!
  • Is there anything in your life you’re resisting? It’s true when they say whatever you resist persists. Stop resisting and start releasing, which increases energy and creates flow. It’s about creativity and letting new ideas, new passions and new friendships grow. It can be scary if we aren’t used to change but it’s so rewarding if we let things unfold the way they are suppose to. How else would we blossom and get out of this winter funk.

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In Conclusion, this season is really about simplifying our lives. Let go of things we no longer need and getting ready to for another season of changes, a better, happier, and healthier you – and in turn of allowing all of this to flow will make space for more love, joy and happiness to rush in.

Posted under Food and Cooking, Health and Fitness, Meditation, Styles of Yoga

This post was written by Sylvia on December 7, 2015

The Best Foods to Eat Pre- and Post-Yoga Class!

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The struggle before yoga class of being hungry, but not wanting to overdo it and spend an hour on the mat feeling uncomfortable. The conundrum of choosing what to eat after class that best serves your body’s nutritional wants and needs. Both are feelings we (and you, probably) can probably relate to!

We wanted to take a closer look at the foods that are best to eat before yoga class for a healthy and energetic practice, and what foods are best to eat after so that your body feels rejuvenated, relaxed, and awesome in general. See below for our favorites!

Pre-Class:

Tip 1? Once again, don’t overdo it! If you’re like us and enjoy an early morning before work class, or an after work early evening class, you probably know that those are a couple of the main mealtimes of the day. How to remedy the situation and not feel hungry? Snacks! Snacks are a lifesaver – whether you’re on the go to a class or on the go in general.

Below are some of our favorite, tried and true snacks for pre-class nosh:

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is filled with soluble fiber (which is slow to digest and won’t interfere with your workout), energy-boosting carbohydrates, and magnesium, which helps boost your energy. Try bringing a small packet of to-go oatmeal with you for easy preparation on the go, or make a light portion at home for some healthy sustenance pre-pose.

2. Almonds

Almonds

Almonds are super easy to bring with you wherever you go, and provide an awesome hit of protein and healthy fats. Try roasted and unsalted almonds for the healthiest option. For some extra natural sugar to boost your energy, throw some raisins in there, too! Almonds also contain potassium, which will help to keep you from cramping up, and magnesium to maximize your energy levels.

 3. Bananas

Bananas

What’s the world’s favorite on the go fruit? Bananas! These babies are packed with natural sugar and carbs for energy, along with potassium so that you’re kept well-hydrated and aren’t hit with a leg cramp in the middle of crow pose.

What to avoid pre-class? Foods heavy in insoluble fiber (which is quicker to digest), liquid, and dairy. Foods containing large amounts of any of these can cause uncomfortable gas and/or bloating. A couple of examples include soups (no one wants to go into downward dog after eating soup), bean-heavy foods like hummus, and milk.

Post-Class:

After a workout of any kind, hydration is extremely important! Start by hydrating with some good old fashioned water before moving onto a post class snack or meal.

Then, once you’ve hydrated, focus on healthy foods packed with natural ingredients. Below are some of our favorite go-tos:

 1. Whole grain toast with peanut butter

Toast

This is a filling and healthy snack filled with protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.

2. A salad packed with greens and protein

Salad

Salad often gets a bad rap for being “boring”, but the truth is that salad can be extremely delicious! Try a mixed greens salad with healthy and delicious vegetables (think avocados, onions and tomatoes), protein (hard boiled eggs, cheeses, tofu, sunflower seeds), and a delicious balsamic vinaigrette to top it all off. This is a great way to fuel up after class and cover all the nutritional areas your body craves – and requires – after working up a sweat.

3. Greek yogurt

Yogurt

Craving something dessert-like post class but don’t want to undo all the good work you’ve just done? Go with Greek yogurt! Packed with protein, this is a sweet treat you’re sure to feel good about. Try mixing it with berries or adding some honey or Agave in for an extra kick. And, if you’re feeling extra creative, make your own Greek yogurt pops!

What to avoid? Mainly, food laziness. Resist the urge to pick up a bag of chips from the store on the way home, or to order pizza instead of taking that extra step. Your body will thank you.

For all of your yoga mat, prop, and clothing needs for looking and feeling your best during your practice, visit us today at barefootyoga.com!

Posted under Food and Cooking, Health and Fitness, Yoga News

This post was written by Carolina on October 9, 2015

Ayurvedic Practices for an Amazing Autumn

As the crisp and cool weather of autumn begins, Ayurvedic practices can help your body and mind adjust to the changing season. Eating the right foods can balance your energies while keeping you warm, healthy and focused.

Here are some Ayurvedic ideas to promote a calm and cozy feeling in the coming months:

1. Balance your energies by managing your Vata

In Ayurvedic teachings, the three doshas, or energies, are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Changes in the world around us can increase and decrease the levels of these doshas, but what we choose to eat and drink can help to keep us in balance. The properties of Vata, the dosha most prevalent in fall, include excess movement, dryness, lightness and cold. This can manifest in anxiety, insomnia and dry skin, but a Vata-balancing diet will help to counteract these issues.

2. Stay centered with warming and soothing foods

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The foods that are best for autumn include sweet, sour, salty and oily foods, and it’s best to eat more cooked food than raw. Roasted root vegetables, savory stews and hearty soups are all excellent choices. Caffeine can aggravate the anxious energies of Vata, so avoid black or green teas that may cause jitteriness. Drink warm beverages such as herbal teas or hot water with lemon and ginger. Between meals, you can snack on a sweet piece of fruit, or try nuts and seeds, which contain healthy oils.

3. Indulge in spices and oils

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Autumn is the perfect time to experiment with various ways to spice your food. All types of spices are recommended for Vata season, so try a little bit of everything, whether it’s staples like garlic, ginger, and paprika, or something you’ve never tried like asafoetida or cardamom. It’s also recommended to add extra fats and oils to your food, so drizzle on a little olive oil, sesame oil or ghee to make your meals more indulgent.

4. Extend your Ayurvedic practice into your daily routines

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Besides food and drink, there are many other ways to actively manage Vata. Morning meditation is a great way to set a calm tone for the rest of your day. To manage anxiety, try a soothing massage with warm sesame oil, followed by a warm shower. Excessive Vata can also be counteracted by fluid movement, so try a yoga routine that is grounded, moving gently and smoothly. Pranayama breathing is also helpful. Don’t neglect Sivasana, and make sure to cover up with a blanket to stay warm.

For all the yoga and meditation supplies you’ll need to manage your energies year-round, visit www.barefootyoga.com!

Posted under Food and Cooking, Health and Fitness, Meditation

This post was written by Lauren on September 21, 2015