POWER YOGA ...... mind and body in harmony.....



Wednesday 3 July 2013

July power yoga newsletter


Dear friends

Firstly I d like to say well come back to power yoga ! So good to see you all again and also lovely to meet lots of new yogis to the group too!

For those that are new to class , please be patient with yourselves and know that over time you will become stronger and more aware of your breathing, once you have mastered your breath all the rest will fall into place.

Secondly , after class this week I was asked by the church to inform everyone that when leaving the car park to try to stick to  the one way system which is sign posted to avoid any accidents with people coming into the church for the next class.

Finally as some of you may know I am also a nutritionist and weight management specialist . I am very passionate towards health and i am a firm believer in you are what you eat!  

I have been a vegan for 15 years and try to eat organic as much as I can. A yoga diet consists of clean , vegetarian and nutritious foods such as whole grains , fruits , vegetables, beans , cereals and avoiding fast foods,tobacco , sugar, meat  and coffee .

Eating the right kind of food is an important element in achieving a physical, mental and emotional balance. In yogic literature foods that are beneficial to us are said to be Sattvic, or pure. Impure foods  can upset our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Therefore I am working on creating a 7 day yoga diet which basically consists of my day to day diet bringing the body into balance not just physically but mentally and emotionally too. I have attached one of my favourite recipes for everyone to enjoy with a list of all its health benefits J

Superfood Quiona salad ( my favourite! )  

 This recipe is one I have at least once a week and contains all the goodness , nutrients and minerals you could wish for!

I cannot stress enough just how good quiona is for the body ! Proteins are essential to the building and repair of the body’s tissues and to basic functions like growth, digestion and excretion. Quinoa has a higher protein content than wheat, barley or other major grains. Quinoa, which contains all 8 of the essential amino acids, it is a complete protein. Quinoa  is a dieter’s dream , high in vitamins, minerals and protein, while low in fat and calories.Quiona helps  lower cholesterol and contains a source of complex carbohydrates. Rich in fiber ,  quinoa can help keep you free of constipation and bloating. Unlike more common grains such as wheat, quinoa is gluten-free and can be enjoyed by people with digestive disorders, like celiac disease. The vitamin B and folate in quinoa also help the liver in its role of eliminating wastes from the body, adding to quinoa’s detoxifying properties. For vegans, people with lactose intolerance or those who are simply looking for non-dairy sources of this vital mineral, quinoa is a flavorful source of plant-derived calcium. Calcium builds and maintains bones and teeth, helps regulate the contraction of the heart, and facilitates nerve and muscle function. Quinoa also contains impressive quantities of potassium, magnesium and zinc, minerals that are crucial for heart, nerve and muscle function.Quiona contains  iron, which helps to deliver oxygen to the blood, boosting energy and brain power. Quinoa’s vitamin B content can help keep the mind sharp, maintain brain volume and stabilize mood.
 


 

Preperation time: 20 mins

Serves : 4

700g sweet potato ( diced into cubes)

60ml olive oil

200g quiona ( waitrose and Holland and barrat sell the garin)

½ tsp turmeric

500ml water

200g broccoli ( steamed )

1 bunch of asparagus ( steamed)

2 hand full s of spinach fresh

200g cooked beetroot and diced

Sprinkle of pumpkins seeds

1 avocardo  chopped

Handful of baby tomatoes chopped

2 spring onions chopped

½ lemmon and ½ lime

1-Pre heat oven to 200 oc (gas mark 6) and place sweet potato diced and drizzled in olive oil into oven and cook for 25-30 mins until golden brown and tender.

2-Place quiona and turmeric in a saucepan with the water and simmer for 10-12 mins until all the water is absorbed.place lid on sauce pan and leave to cool.

3-steam the broccoli and asparagus until tender

4-mix together all the remaining ingredients into a bowl , add a drizzle of olive oil and squeeze the lemon in . Add the sweet potato and quiona .

Serve and enjoy J

Love and hugs ,Lucy x