Tag: fitness goals

2 Yogis You Need to Follow on Instagram

2 Yogis You NEED to Follow on Instagram

I made a promise to myself at the beginning of this year that I would do yoga, no matter what, every single day. I’m proud to report that 11 months later, I’ve actually stayed true to that promise. I can’t say that it hasn’t been difficult. I had to overcome some stumbling blocks along the way. I had a pretty bad cold earlier in the year, I traveled quite a bit, and other times I was just plain exhausted. Even still, I managed to squeeze in at least 15 minutes to an hour of yoga everyday and I’m so glad that I did!

From time to time I need a little motivation. It just takes a little bit of inspiration to spark a fire in you that burns bright and makes you not ever want to quit. I turn to Instagram in my moments of weakness (don’t judge me) and I swoon over the incredible yogis that decorate my feed. Yeah. Sometimes it’s like that for sure. I don’t know which one I love more, but Christine Hewitt and Soren Buchanan are probably my top 2/number 1 favorites.

These ladies definitely find the right balance (no pun intended) between physical fitness and showcasing the human body as an organic piece of art. I’m way into the colors and movement captured by these photos and their feeds never cease to motivate me. So if you need a little bit of inspo, just check out some of these incredible photos and join the movement. #yogaeverydamnday

Follow Christine Hewitt on Instagram:

yoga-photoyogi

Follow Soren Buchanan on Instagram:

yoga-street-art

yoga-and-street-art

 

Yoga Sequence to Beat the Winter Blues

Yoga Sequence to Beat the Winter Blues

I know, I know!  I haven’t posted in over a week, but I’ve been taking some time to reevaluate and plan. Something strange starts to happen to me every fall. I get this compulsion to start hoarding, and eating, and not exercising, and wasting whole weekends on the couch watching TV. Every year, this sends me into a spiral of depression and I curse myself for being so lazy and unproductive. It usually lasts straight through winter. This year though, I’m determined to break that cycle. My goal is to beat these winter blues that I suffer from (seasonal depression is real, y’all!) before they even take hold. Just like my promise to myself at the start of the New Year, I am paying attention to my fitness goals, my mental health goals, my nutrition goals, and my home goals. I’m so inspired by women like Jennifer (standingstrongwellness), Jasmine (the Richmond Avenue), Claudia Marie (Claudiamariefit), and so many others, to keep my life on track!

Anyway, I wanted to share this excellent yoga sequence for beating the winter blues. Yoga has been the cornerstone of my fitness routine and I am more than happy with how my mind and body have responded to it. I mean, look at how proactive I’m being!

Do any of you struggle with seasonal depression? How do you cope?

The 4 Best High Impact Sports Bras for DD+ Women

The 4 Best High Impact Sports Bras for DD+ Women

Ok. Full disclosure here… I try my best to avoid high impact exercise, so the title of this post may be a little misleading. While my kiddo takes pride in workouts that leave him totally exhausted and occasionally puking, I much prefer workouts accompanied by fruit-infused water, scented candles, and the sounds of the ocean playing softly through Bose speakers. #yogaeverydamnday. That said, I haven’t actually tested these sports bras through high intensity workouts (only yoga and the totally infrequent sprint up the stairs). Still, I am pretty sure that even if you’re all about running and jumping, these bras will hold up (no pun intended). Added bonus: they’re super cute!
The 4 Best High Impact Sports Bras for DD+ WomenThe 4 Best High Impact Sports Bras for DD+ Women

  1. Panache Underwire- (pictured above in turquoise) ‘Lightweight microfiber fabric wicks moisture away from the skin and breathable mesh panels keep skin cool. Rather than compressing your breasts against your rib cage like most sports bras, panache sports bra individually encapsulates each one-lifting, shaping and supporting from all sides.’ —product description via amazon.com
  2. Wacoal Sport Underwire-‘Sport bra offers great control, support and comfort for workouts or as your everyday bra.’—product description via amazon.com
  3. Elomi Energise-‘Unique non compression design offering bust separation, shaping and the ultimate in support.’—product description via amazon.com
  4. LuLuLemon Ta Ta Tamer II- (pictured above in pink) This hilariously named bra features a ‘sweat-wicking cooling fabric fits like a second skin. Added LYCRA fibre stays in great shape. Removable cups give shape and coverage. Hook-and-eye closure provides added support with a customizable fit.’— product description via amazon.com

 

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Avocado Garlic Aioli

Yukon Gold potatoes are boiled, smashed, roasted until crispy, and then topped with a decadent, yet heart-healthy, avocado garlic aioli. Be still my heart.

 Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Avocado Garlic Aioli
Yield
7 medium potatoes
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook time
55 Minutes

Ingredients:

For the potatoes:
  • 2 to 2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (or try red or new potatoes)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning
  • Garlic powder or granules, for sprinkling on top
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced
For the Avocado Garlic Aioli:
  • 1 large avocado, halved and pitted
  • 1 large or 2 small garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
  • 1/4 cup soy-free Veganaise (or vegan mayo of choice)
  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Add potatoes into a large pot and cover with water (do not peel the potatoes). Turn the heat to high. When the water starts to boil, reduce heat slightly, and simmer the potatoes uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until fork tender.
  2. When there is about 10 minutes left of boiling the potatoes, begin preheating the oven to 450°F.
  3. When the potatoes are fork tender, drain in a colander and cool for 5 minutes or so.
  4. Place the potatoes on a large, lightly greased baking sheet. (Skip the parchment paper for this recipe, as an oiled baking sheet with produce crispier potatoes.) With the base of a mug or metal measuring cup, “smash” (press down on) each potato until each one is mostly flattened. Some potatoes might break apart a little, but this is totally fine!
  5. Drizzle each potato with about 1 teaspoon of oil and sprinkle on a generous amount of salt and pepper. Finally, sprinkle on some garlic powder.
  6. Roast the potatoes in the oven for 25 to 33 minutes until crispy, golden, and browned on the bottom. Keep an eye on them as cook time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes. I love to roast these until the skins become a deep golden brown and crispy—they are so delicious to eat!
  7. Meanwhile, prepare the Avocado Garlic Aioli: Add garlic into food processor and process until minced. Now add the rest of the aioli ingredients and process until smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  8. Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle each with chopped fresh parsley, more sea salt, and pepper. Serve immediately with avocado aioli (piped or dolloped on) and watch them go lightning fast!!

Tips:

  • If you have any leftover potatoes, they can be reheated in an oven on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for 6 to 12 minutes, until warmed throughout. The Avocado Garlic Aioli doesn’t heat well (it tends to brown), so I don’t recommend heating it, but serving fresh whenever possible.

Source: Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Avocado Garlic Aioli

This Plus-Size Yogi Doesn’t Practice Yoga to Impress You, She Practices Because She Can | The Stir

Just in case you need any inspiration to start your yoga journey, you should probably check this out. Dana Falsetti, the plus-size yogi pictured above, shares her story.

Dana explains that she came to yoga not as much as a way to lose weight, but more as an outlet to change her perspective on her own life, which had been filled with a negative attitude of “I can’t.”

For the full story follow the link below, and to start your own yoga journey, because YOU CAN, check this out.

Source: This Plus-Size Yogi Doesn’t Practice Yoga to Impress You, She Practices Because She Can | The Stir