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?

2014 New Year, Fresh Start

Happy New Year!

For me, 2013 was the year of growth and challenges. I made the decision to pursue my passion for nutrition through graduate school which was an entire gear switch from my undergraduate studies. It was challenging to become a scientist after political and linguistic focus and I admit I was not fully prepared for the onslaught of organic and biochemistry. But it remains one of the best choices I have made for myself and I'm proud of what I accomplished in one year's passing. I've learned a vast amount, and I simply cannot put a price on that.

With the turn of the new year, I carefully sculpted out my new goals and aspirations which erupted in a buzzing excitement and personal drive that I suspect will not wane anytime soon. One of my biggest changes implemented is to get back to the very basics of a healthy lifestyle. After some bouts with systemic inflammation, psoriasis, and regularly consuming too many processed foods, I knew I was drifting a substantial distance from my personal ideals about food and nutrition. This year, I've begun a healing, anti-inflammatory plant based diet that has already done wonders for my small spots of psoriasis (they've all but disappeared after not budging for a few weeks). My overall health plan, in five points:

• More vegan dishes, mainly plant based diet
• Little, to no meat and dairy, moderate fish intake.
• Very limited processed food products and refined sugar
• Weekly Yoga, meditation, and positive affirmations
• No alcohol consumption, save special occasions

I've been in the kitchen doing some mad-science (cooking and making massive messes) and am excited to share my new approach to whole nutritious plant foods with all of you. Additionally, I've received many kind emails and comments regarding the blog that have really reignited the spark for fresh new content. I want to thank each and every one of you for the support and love you have shown me--I appreciate you all very much and thank you for your patience on the downtime during my studies. An inspiring quote I came across that I find potent and vital to remember this year: "Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you." - Unknown. Remember that only you have the power to make your year the year you wish it to be. With love and health, I wish you a happy and extraordinary 2014.

A New Leaf

I want to talk a little candid today.

I have a bone to pick. With myself. Too often in the past, I've only used the new year opportunity to make resolutions. But I really have to be honest here. Sometimes I'm not too thrilled with some of my habits and the way I've been operating as of late.

In the past, despite having some existing health issues, I've been content to indulge in some unhealthy habits such as bumming the occasional cigar from a friend, having that extra cocktail to take the edge off a long week at the office, and simply wishing some things would magically change without me having to do anything to make that happen. I'm calling foul on myself here and taking the big step out of a rut I've been sitting in for awhile. Why is it so easy to know what's healthy but still choosing a road that might not reflect that? I'm not saying I or anyone else has to be perfect in this regard, but some indulgences I think I'd be much better off without.

Health and well-being is more than just eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. I've been turning a blind eye to some of the other aspects of my life that need some streamlining and balance, so I'm not waiting for the new year to turn over a new leaf. No matter how cliche it might sound, now is always the right time. I'm challenging myself to break some bad habits for good. Here are my goals:

1. Choosing the career path that best reflects my passions.
2. Saying NO to overindulging in unhealthy distractions.
3. Turning off the cable TV and getting a move on! I have a nasty habit of plopping down on the cushy couch after work and blaming it on the imaginary force field which sucks me into the slump. It's not my fault, right!?....Wrong.
4. Getting it organized to make it a reality. I've got some big ideas floating around in my head, but that's a big problem. They're just floating there. Writing them down, planning them out, and making it happen isn't going to happen on it's own. There's no better time than the here and now.
5. Practicing Mind, Body, and Spirit. Cranking up the green juices, healing smoothies, yoga, meditation, and brain exercises is happening, starting now. In the words of the powerful Kris Carr, "What we Eat, Drink, and Think matters."

Along with some personal changes I'll be making, there will be some changes here on the blog. What's older on the site is going to be new and fresh, with some updated content and new photography. Be sure to check back in my older posts to see some new stuff. It feels great to make some resolutions because of myself instead of a new year. There's no better reason if you ask me. Health is wealth.

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Allergy Anxiety: Kick the Fear

[caption id="attachment_481" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Relax and take a step back. Food is not your enemy. (Photo credit: Dreamstime free)[/caption]

Just after my soy allergy diagnosis, I experienced a not so uncommon mental state: Food allergy reaction anxiety. It lasted for about a month before I learned how to rework my relationship with food. The hardest part was not knowing where to start.

Having a serious allergic reaction can be scary. Fortunately, there are many ways to calm down and keep a balanced mental state.

Food can be seen as medicine. Once you know what you need to avoid, the scariest part is over. Embrace the foods that your body doesn't react to and visualize them as a sort of shield. With each day you rework your relationship with foods that are okay, the stronger your system becomes. Nourish and treat yourself to your favorite foods, and try to follow a three or four day rotation diet to minimize developing any new allergies.

Some of my favorite things to do to keep a great outlook and a calm composure:

- Yoga -

This instructor (Esther Ekhart) has tons of great yoga videos. If you're looking for something to burn off a little more excess energy due to anxiousness, check out her more fast paced yoga for anxiety here.

- Guided Relaxation -

Focusing on just being can be a powerful experience. It really tunes you into how amazing your body, mind, and spirit are--even if your system can't handle a fist-full of foods.

- Indulge in something amazing I CAN eat -

I believe in moderation with sweets, as with most things. Take a moment (and a small dish) to remind yourself that you're not surrounded by food you can't eat. Just remember to indulge responsibly ;)