Break the fast

Often the most frequently skipped meal, breakfast is the meal that will set the tone for the day. Breakfast essentially means break-the-fast. After 6-8 (more or less) hours of sleep and however many hours since the last meal the evening before, the body greatly benefits from this first meal of the day. The pace of our current culture makes time for breakfast a challenge for many people who are working full-time and/or raising a family. Getting up earlier in the morning to make breakfast is low on the priority list for many because that means sacrificing precious sleep time. The truth is, there are many ways to incorporate breakfast into the daily routine without making it a big production.  When or if there is more time in the morning, it can be rewarding to take the time to prepare a more involved meal, if that is what one desires. 

Here are a few ways that breakfast impacts your body and mind:

-revs up your metabolism

-improves mental alertness

-increases energy, endurance and strength

-supports weight loss

-helps to stabilize blood sugar

-reduces cravings and temptation to overeat later in the day

If you don't have a lot of time in the morning for breakfast, here is a list of easy and nutritious breakfast foods:

-oatmeal

-porridge

-whole grain toast w/nut butter or avocado

-protein shake/smoothie

-Juiced fruit & vegetables

-granola

-yogurt

-fresh fruit

-trail mix

-eggs

My favorite way to make oatmeal*:

Ingredients:
Trader Joe's Quick Cooking Steel-Cut Oats
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 c. dried tart cherries
half of an apple, diced
about a 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger

pumpkin seeds
walnuts or pecans
almond milk (or milk of choice)
maple syrup

Make it:
-follow directions for cooking the oats, add in the chia seeds and coconut oil with oats
-when oats and chia seeds are done cooking, mix in cinnamon, vanilla, cherries, apple and ginger. You might want to add a little milk to the mixture if it looks dry. Let it sit on low heat for a few minutes. When ready serve in a bowl, top with pumpkin seeds and or nuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, and maybe more milk if your prefer.

*This oatmeal recipe is full of protein, healthy fats, fruit, whole grains, vitamins and minerals. A great way to start the day! Enjoy!

ease in discomfort

There are many examples of how yoga is a metaphor for life. Finding ease in discomfort is one that has resonated with me for some time. My yoga teacher recently referred to this during a class while all of her students were holding a challenging bind. As I held my pose, reminding myself to breathe through it, I found comfort in her saying this. I put myself in that pose, and I am fortunate that my body allows me to do so. Having my yoga teacher recognize that this was a difficult pose, but that we must find that place within that accepts the challenge and not to fight it, gave me a sense of peace. 

Yoga has encouraged me to find my flow through times of resistance. To remember to open my heart, keep breathing, and receive the loving energy that surrounds me. Yoga has reminded me that pain serves a purpose, it is a call for attention, allowing me to have a dialogue with the discomfort and evaluate if I should sit with it or make adjustments based on what I need. My yoga practice has helped me to quiet my mind and find peace during times of stress and sadness. When I find myself getting carried away by things I need to do, worries and insecurities, being on my mat brings me back to the present in body, mind and spirit. The asanas (postures) are a physical expression of these lessons, as they cultivate confidence, strength and balance. The lessons learned on the mat sustain me through daily ups and downs, especially when I find myself in challenging situations. Based on the increasing popularity of yoga I have a feeling I am not alone in my connection to yoga. There is comfort in this. Namaste.

Let go and Trust

Let go and trust has been somewhat of a mantra for me over the past few months. This "mantra" is helping me get through worries about family members, anxiety about my new career path, and everything else that life brings to the table. It isn't easy for me to let go of thoughts, ideas, or plans because I like to plan, I like to know what is going to happen and how it will happen. The trouble that tends to come with the need to control circumstances, is that often times the Universe has something in store for us that is more amazing than we ever could have planned. The more I allow myself to let go and trust, the more open I am to receive the love and gifts that are available. There is so much beauty in this process of trusting. It's not lazy or passive, it's about having faith. I have to remind myself of this occasionally. I don't think of myself as a lazy person; I enjoy working, being active, constantly learning new things and being engaged in projects. BUT, there is a time to rest, to nourish my spirit and allow the Universe to guide me. Trusting that my efforts and intentions are not lost by letting go.