To do Yoga or not to do Yoga?!?

Yoga is a new trendy exercise that everyone is trying. I thought I would give it a try myself! This semester I am taking a basic yoga class at school. And I love it! It is so relaxing and it gives you a nice work out at the same time. So let's learn a little more about exactly what Yoga is. 

Yoga in a Nut Shell

The classical techniques of Yoga date back more than 5,000 years. In ancient times, the desire for greater personal freedom, health and long life, and heightened self-understanding gave birth to this system of physical and mental exercise which has since spread throughout the world. The word Yoga means “to join or yoke together,” and it brings the body and mind together into one harmonious experience.

The whole system of Yoga is built on three main structures: exercise, breathing, and meditation. The exercises of Yoga are designed to put pressure on the glandular systems of the body, thereby increasing its efficiency and total health. The body is looked upon as the primary instrument that enables us to work and evolve in the world, and so a Yoga student treats it with great care and respect. Breathing techniques are based on the concept that breath is the source of life in the body. The Yoga student gently increases breath control to improve the health and function of both body and mind. These two systems of exercise and breathing then prepare the body and mind for meditation, and the student finds an easy approach to a quiet mind that allows silence and healing from everyday stress. Regular daily practice of all three parts of this structure of Yoga produce a clear, bright mind and a strong, capable body.

Is Yoga for me?

Yoga is suitable for most adults of any age or physical condition. Because of the non-strenuous nature of our approach to exercise, even those with physical limitations can find a beneficial routine of Yoga. Some programs offers special techniques for those with physical limitations due to age, illness, injury, substance abuse recovery, obesity, or inactivity.

Where to begin?

The best way to get started in Yoga is to either find a qualified teacher or buy a good book or tape.

For more information Visit

http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/general.html

The Sun Salutation

The Sun Salutation in a step by step process. This is a great way to start off your morning!

Try it out!!





National Day of Play

Today is the National Day of Play! What a great way to get kids and parents alike up an active!

Check out the website below and then get playing!!

www.thebighelp.com

Choose My Plate

Click Here----->   http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ <-----Click here

So as many of you may know the USDA has a new program. We no longer have the basic food group pyrimaid any more. It is now a plate. But I have found that I actually really like choose my plate a little bit more. Above is the web site so that you can take a peek yourself.

On the new website they give you tips, news and media updates, what's in a catagory and the portion sizes, and more. There is even a link where you can plan a healthy meal. Check it out and tell me what you think!

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

This would be a great meal to prepare ahead of time and freeze for those days that you don't want to cook. All you would have to do is pull them out of the freezer and put them into the oven.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 yellow onion, diced

2 tablespoons flour

2 celery stalks, diced

3 carrots, peeled and diced

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

2 cups chicken broth

3 cups shredded chicken

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon dried basil plus additional to taste

Pizza dough crust (i.e. Pillsbury Pizza Crust dough)

1 egg yolk, whisked

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté 3 minutes. Sprinkle onion with the flour and cook 2 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, peas and chicken broth. Turn heat to medium high; cook 2 to 3 minutes, until sauce thickens. Add the chicken, salt and basil to taste; mix.
Spoon the mixture into six oven-safe ramekins, filling each to the top.
Open the can of dough and use a paring knife to cut the dough into six circles that are 1 1/2 inches bigger in diameter than the ramekins. Place one stack on each ramekin; brush with some of the egg yolk. Top with the 1/4 teaspoon of basil and coat again with egg yolk.
Cook on the top rack of oven 10 minutes. Serve.

Nutrition facts per serving:

• Servings Per Recipe 6 servings
• Calories305
• Total Fat (g)17
• Saturated Fat (g)6.5
• Carbohydrate (g)20
• Fiber (g)3
• Protein (g)20

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Candy Dish Woes...

In the Gym

Okay, so your new to the gym... no sweat! Here's some of the things that I like to do while I work out in the gym. Give these a try!

Treadmill: 10-15 min at a medium speed
Elliptical: 5 min on each side
Arm curls: 10 reps for 2 sets
Lunges: 10 reps for 1 set (on each side)

If you don't know how to do something; ask one of the gym instructors. Just remember to listen to what you body is telling you and never do more than you think you can handle. Have fun and good luck! :)

Snack Time!

It's snack time and what to eat? Try some of these delicious snack food items!

• Whole Almonds
• Tiny pretzel twists
• Low-fat string cheese
• Cinnamon Apple sauce
• Low-fat pudding
• Mixed dried fruit
• Granola bar
• Trail Mix
• Whole fruits (examples: Apples, oranges, pears...)
• Vegetables (examples: celery sticks, mini carrots...)
• Baked potato chips

These are just a few great idea's of things that you can take with you in case the munchies come along. But remember to read the labels and low-fat dairy products is always the best way to go.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

Lighten up your Labor Day!

It's Labor Day weekend and I know most of you are leaving to have one more summer outing. But while you are doing so there is a great chance that you might be going to some BBQ get together's. Here is a great clip from the Today Show about what you should choose while you are out and about on your Labor day weekend. Check it out and pass it on! :)


http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44264750/ns/today-today_health/t/lighten-your-labor-day-these-painless-swaps/