Why healthy doesn’t equal boring
There is often a misconception surrounding clean eating and fitness, namely that it’s boring, full of bland tasting food and chore-like workouts. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. To me there is absolutely nothing dull about waking up early, going for a morning swim, then following that with a colourful, fresh fruit & veg juice. I couldn't think of a better way to start my day - it’s refreshing, positive and active! However, I do think for many, one of the main barriers to healthy eating is the fear of missing out on those delectable foods like chocolate and cheese, and giving up sleep or relaxation time to exercise. This doesn’t need to be the case. You can still have a slice of cheesecake here or there and wake up at regular hours because there are so many other ways you can integrate activity and wholesome eating into your life. So, if you're like me and have a dislike for anything mundane, here's how to spice up your healthy lifestyle: 1. Try a new exercise There are plenty of exciting new group exercises variations where time (and sometimes you) will fly, and your body will hurt in places you didn't know you had muscles! Trapeze classes, silk or acro yoga and barre pilates are four exercise forms that are trending at the moment, not only are they different from the regular cardio classes available, they also challenge your mind just as much as your body. 2. Take a raw food cooking class Get creative in the kitchen by coming up with unique raw food recipes. This might sound tricky at first, so I would suggest taking a raw food cooking class to learn the basics. After that, let your imagination run wild - you’ll never be able to look at cooked food the same again. If you’re like me, you’ll constantly be wondering how to emulate a meal as a raw recipe. Think raw pizza or fake cheesecake. When it comes to raw cooking, start with food you love. I even make my own chocolates, so I know what's in them and I can eat them guilt-free! 3. Make a healthy rewards program If you’ve recently started a new exercise or eating regime, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your personal achievements. Create a rewards program for yourself that integrates the elements of your new healthy lifestyle, for example instead of treating yourself to...
Five basic yoga stretches that will make you feel fantastic
Stretching is not only good for a healthy body, but it’s also said to have an impact on emotional states of mind. As the body carries tension in joints, opening them on a daily basis will free up the flow of energy and clear tension, both physically and emotionally. Forward fold Whether you choose your forward fold standing or seated, it will benefit you any time of the day. Simply tilt from the hip, keeping your knees slightly bent, stretch your spine long and reach with your nose for your knees. You can intensify by taking 10 breaths, lengthening the upper body and straightening the back on each inhale, then folding deeper on each exhale. You can slowly start extending the knees as well. Forward folds are great morning stretches to wake up the body, lengthen the hamstrings and your digestive system as well. Backbend To counter your forward fold I would suggest a gently backbend, such as bridge pose. Lie on your back with your feet grounded close to your sit bones and then press into your feet to lift your hips skywards until your hipbones are in line with your shoulders and knees. Keep pressing your knees in towards each other and walk your shoulder blades close so you can feel your heart lift towards your chin. Keep your neck long and count 5 to 15 breaths in this pose until you roll down your spine one vertebra at a time. Especially if you sit on your computer all day, backbends are great to open the front of the body and clear stagnant matter in the chest and throat region. Side bends Standing up tall, take your hands overhead on your in-breath and reach for the sky. Then lifting the chest, move your whole upper body to the left in the same plane and without rotating the hips or shoulders. Lift back up on the in-breath and move over to the right. Repeat a few times as it feels good to you. Side bends open the side of the ribcage and the intercostal muscles receive a massage and increased blood flow. The lungs and respiratory organs as well receive some loving. Downward dog This ever-so-restful pose is also a fantastic stretch to add to your daily routine. Start in plank with your shoulders stacked over your wrists and then without moving the feet, shift your body backwards so your chest reaches for your thighs. With the tailbone sticking up,...
How to nail your daily meditation
I believe the easiest way to bring your mind and body to a relaxed state where we can start to see beyond the problem in the very moment is a regular meditation practice, one you can incorporate into your everyday life. And this doesn’t even require a yoga studio! For example, when I used to get stressed at work, I would retreat to a quiet corner, put on my headphones and take 15 to 20 deep steady breaths from the very bottom of my lungs. I would focus on my own breath so that I'd become completely present and free myself from any restraining and negative thoughts. This should normally take less than 5 minutes and turn your pace and mindset 180 degrees. Here are some tips how you can start integrating a calming and regenerative practice of meditation into your life easily: 1. Start small - just 5 minutes a day to begin with. Then you can increase as you feel your attention remains in the present moment more easily for a longer period of time. 2. Begin by observing what comes up and noting it in a journal. No judgement, just taking notice and observing changes that occur over time. One of the big issues that occur in our human lives is that we attach a feeling or an outcome to any emotion that comes up. Just consider any thought or idea as it is without making it anything different. For example, if you notice that your breath is heavy, notice how this heaviness feels, rather than feeling bad for breathing heavily or changing your breath right away. Only when we become aware of what is, we can eventually be more present and worry less. 3. Give yourself time and be patient. Meditation is one of the hardest things to learn and master and to feel the real benefits will take some practice. It is a lifelong process to learn and you’re likely to never feel like you’ve mastered it ever. So be kind and gentle with yourself. It's too easy to get lost in that monkey mind of ours that jumps from one idea or thought to the next in seconds. 4. Create space for meditating, especially in the beginning. Take external distractions away, turn on soft music, light a candle and some incense to create a sacred space for your mind. Best to be outside in a park, or by...