Yoga Renewal

As of today, I've made the decision the get back into daily yoga. Since I practiced gymnastics for most of my childhood, I took an interest in yoga to increase my flexibility even further.  But I quickly found that it has far more benefits than just learning how to become a human pretzel.  Aside from fixing my posture (I have a bad and lasting back injury from gymnastics), I feel much more grounded, present and calm after a session which helps immensely with occasional food allergy anxiety.  While recovering from severe reactions, I used root myself in a downward dog pose to calm myself. That moment when you're slowly sinking into the mat and you can almost feel the earth move as it ticks around the sun...indescribable healing.  I am more than ready to return to it.

-my morning meditation in child's pose-

Here are a few good links for beginners to yoga:

1. 5 types of Yoga to try now


2. 3 Yoga Poses to Help Anxiety


3. 5 Common Yoga Mistakes Beginners Make


4. 8 Yoga Poses for Better Digestion

What kind of yoga do you practice?

What are your favorite poses, tips and yoga tricks?

Best Gluten-free Soups on the Go

I'm a college student, which means time can be hectic.  Traveling to and from campus while having rushed lunches between classes requires some real food planning.  I can't exactly find safe food options easily in the cafeteria since I need to avoid gluten, soy, peanuts, and other foods.  I've learned to love the versatility of ready to serve soups that can be eaten at room temperature or heated. These options offer a good variety of flavors and provide a range of dietary options such as vegan, vegetarian, meat, and dairy-free. They'd be perfect for bringing along on a fun filled road trip (tried and tested method by me)! Here are my top picks for gluten-free and soy-free on-the-go soup options. Lunch tip: Pair these with a prepacked fresh green salad for a healthy boost!

1. Gluten-free Cafe's Chicken Noodle Soup
2. Dr. McDougall's Black Bean Soup (vegetarian, vegan) -- my favorite*
3. Imagine's Creamy Organic Potato Leek Soup (vegetarian, vegan)
4. Pacific's Organic Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Bisque (vegetarian, contains dairy)

Strawberry Banana Vanilla Protein Smoothie (dairy-free, vegan)

A bright pink smoothie will always be appealing to me.  Something about such a bubble-gum looking shade mixed with the fragrance of fresh fruit is just so enticing, especially in the last weeks (hopefully) of cold winter weather.  My favorite vanilla brown rice protein powder, which is gluten-free and allergen-free, alongside strawberries and bananas is an extra boost for getting the day started.  A much welcomed heat wave of 40 degree weather is on the agenda this week, so here's to the coming glimpses of spring and more fruity healthful smoothies galore!

Strawberry Banana Vanilla Protein Smoothie (dairy free, vegan)

• 8 large strawberries
• 1 banana
• 2 tablespoons Vanilla Brown Rice Protein powder
• 5 ice cubes
• 1 and 1/2 cups almond milk or non-dairy milk alternative

1. Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and process until smooth.
2. Serve cold and dream of spring and summer sunshine!