Shocking the System

I was searching for yoga images when I came across this gem. It's simply titled "Yoga Grandma." At first I laughed... come on, it's a little shocking to see. But then I was really impressed. If I can do this at her age, I'll be doing pretty good, I think.

Last night I took a yoga class taught by our very talented friend, Anga. I was feeling as though my body was needing a break from my every day work outs and needing something different; a little TLC, if you will. Yoga has always been something I've enjoyed, there is absolutely nothing like it. Mentally it transports you to another place, and physically it does so much good for your body, I can't even list it all. Sadly, it had been about a year and a half since the last time I "practiced" in a studio (check out me using the yogi lingo!!).

Now, I'm not saying yoga is for everyone, but I truly believe you have to shock your system, once in awhile. Our bodies are very adaptive. If we do the same things over and over, it's going to get used to it. When our bodies become used to something, our muscles and progress hit somewhat of a plateau.

That's why I try very hard to keep my workout routine, far from that - a routine. We need to spice things up and continue to challenge ourselves by trying new things. I'm not saying runners should stop running, or swimmers stop swimming. I'm just saying that running is great, but maybe try a kickboxing class once in awhile to hit that core and upper body you may be lacking.

Also, change is fun! The last thing we want is for exercise to feel boring, mundane, or "same ol'." After last night I realize that a year and a half was far too long of a break from yoga. I'm looking forward to adding in a class or two every couple of weeks.. I mean, why not, really?

One more for the road. The same "Grandma" doing crow pose. Pretty inspiring.


Images are product of Barcoft Media

Leftovers Advocate!

Truth be told, I used to HATE leftovers. Boy was I ignorant! Luckily, I am now older and wiser (well, at least about leftovers, anyway). Here is the glory of leftovers:

- They are ready to eat. I love heating up a full, balanced meal in 2 mins or less.
- It cuts down on your having to prepare one more healthy meal. You make one deliciously healthy dinner and you don't have to think about your next two lunches.
- When I have something healthy ready to eat, my hunger doesn't drive me to make poor eating decisions.
- It's a money-saver! Less money spent on food, means more money to spend on other things (Can you say iPad 2?!!)
- It's a time-saver! This kind of goes with the first bullet, but I can't tell you how nice it is being a mommy and being able to just pop something in the microwave. Leaves time for chasing around a rolling baby who likes to play with anything that he shouldn't :)

So, what can I say? I am a full-blown leftovers advocate. I don't see a downside to leftovers, at all. In general, they just make being healthy easy. And when healthy options are available and easy, we are more like to choose them :) Happy eating!

Spotlight: Spaghetti Squash

So some of you might be thinking, "What the heck is that yellow pumpkin-looking thingy?" Well, folks, THAT is a spaghetti squash. My newest healthy love. Now I don't get to eat it all the time (Nate thinks that a meal without meat, is not a meal at all, so I only eat it when he is out of town), but when I do... deeeeeeee-lish! It's nice to mix things up and I was introduced to this veggie so late in my life (yes, my whole 28 years), so it's like a treat! I know there are probably a dozen different ways to eat it, but I thought I would let you know how I've been eating (and re-eating) it. If you've never tried it out, give it a try! So here it is:

Nikki's Spaghetti Squash

1 Spaghetti squash
1 cup spaghetti sauce of your choosing
1/4 parmesan (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup or so part skim mozzarella

Put whole Squash in microwave for 6-7 minutes to soften skin. Cut lengthwise and remove seeds. Put skin-side up on baking sheet and bake at 350 for 45 minutes (or until tender), rotating once or twice. Remove and fork out spaghetti strands into a baking dish. Add salt, pepper, parmesan, and sauce, and mix together. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and bake until cheese looks like melty, partly golden deliciousness.

Hope you likey!