RAW FOOD & YOGA

A match made in heaven!

Regardless of the style of yoga practice you prefer, I have found that a predominetly raw food lifestyle and yoga are a perfect complement to one another.  The union of these two are unlike anything else.  

I often enjoy some fresh coconut water before my yoga practice, and I like to end my practice with a low-glycemic green juice for hydration.  It makes me feel like I'm floating of clouds once I'm done!

Yoga in Sanskrit translates to “union”.  The practice is designed to unite breath and posture, which in turn creates unity and balance in mind, body and spirit.  Yoga, of course, also increases flexibility.  I like to think or define the practice of yoga as a meditation in movement.

Here's a fun one to try... the Five Tibetan Rites.

I first heard of the Five Tibetan Rites from my friend and fitness guru, Larisa Simpson of EuroFit LLC, who not only helped me to lose weight, but has also taught me, among other things, to love and honor my body.  If you have yet to discover the Five Tibetan Rites, it’s a beautiful routine to add to your yoga practice. 

The Five Tibetan Rites, aka the Five Rites, are a form of yoga practiced by Tibetan monks for centuries for healing, rejuvenation, and longevity.  The monks who practiced the Five Rites reportedly lived long and vibrant lives.  Unlike the traditional yoga practice of India, the Five Rites emphasize “a continuous sequence of movement” rather than “static positions”.

The Five Rites are said to balance the seven energy Chakras centers to promote a free flow of prana (chi energy) revitalizing mind, body and spirit.  A daily practice of the Five Rites can increase energy and vitality, restore emotional and mental clarity, help one sleep more soundly, increase strength and flexibility, balance hormonal levels, assist the body in detoxification and weight management, and enhance a sense of harmony and well being.

SEAWEED SALT

Looking for an extra dose of minerals to season your favorite foods?  This quick and easy recipe takes only a few minutes to make. 

Simply grind up some dry kelp and dulse (equal parts) using a small coffee grinder, and double the volume with added Himalayan crystal salt.  Grind everything down to a fine powder and use as an alternative to table salt. 

Caution:  Start with a pinch! Seaweed has a distinct flavor that can easily overpower any dish.

PAPAYA FACE MASK

The other day I found myself craving a juicy papaya, so naturally, I made a trip to a local heath food store and picked out a nice soft organic papaya.  But when I got home and cut it in half, it turns out it wasn't ripe at all... the flesh was pale yellow and tough!  Sigh.  

I have to say, I was pretty saddened but I wasn't discouraged!  Instead, I got creative and made myself a beautifying papaya face mask using a few organic ingredients I had on hand.  My skin felt so amazing, I thought I'd share the recipe.  Looks like my skin was the one craving the fruit ; )  

Papaya Face Mask

1/2 small unripe papaya (peeled, seeds removed)

1 Tbsp raw honey

1 tsp coconut oil

Using a mini blender, blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.  Apply a thick layer avoiding the eyes, leave on for 20 minutes.  Rinse with warm water.  

Enjoy this beautiful and nourishing treatment before bed! 

A SUPERFOOD UNLIKE ANY OTHER

It's not very often I take time to promote products and webinars on my blog, but I just can't help myself on this one!  

I recently came across a FREE online webinar discussing the many health benefits of micro-algea, and I honestly have to say the information is PRICELESS.  

I've always understood their role in health, but I had NO idea just how powerful micro-algae are!  Lets just say they were routinely used to treat children of radioactive poisoning in the aftermath of Chernobyl.  That's beyond incredible!  I can't recommend this information enough.  

♥ MicroAlgaeWebinar ♥

In a world where superfood trends come and go, there's only a few ancient superfoods that have withstood the test of time.  If you were to include just ONE superfood staple into your diet, miro-algae would be it.  They are truly in a league of their own.  


Please take a moment and watch this FREE online presentation, and pass it on!  Best part, they've got some amazing recipes in there... yum! 

♥ MicroAlgaeWebinar ♥

Here's one of my favorite recipes using micro-algae spirulina.  I drink it like a shot first thing in the morning, right after my green juice.

Spirulina Spritzer 

1/4 cup (2 oz) coconut water kefir

1/2 tsp spirulina powder
Squirt lemon or lime juice

Stir in and dissolve the spirulina powder in a small glass of coconut water kefir with citrus, and enjoy!


The carbonation from the fermented, probiotic-rich coconut kefir is just divine!  It's a nice complement to the mineral-rich spirulina, which is masked by the fizzy kefir and citrus.

TIPS FOR AN ECO-CHIC WEDDING

Ladies be prepared, unless you're planning a backyard wedding, going eco-chic will likely cost you a pretty penny!  Not that there's anything wrong with a casual low-key wedding.  In fact, I almost wish I would have gone with a small outdoor theme after the stress of planning mine!  Lol.

It's frustrating enough couples have to face outrageous wedding mark-ups;  add a "green" label on it and you may expect a significantly higher price tag.
  
This is not to say that going eco isn't worth the money or the effort.  On the contrary, with a little extra time and careful planning you can wow your guests with a stunning eco-friendly event.  Just keep some practical tips in mind. Here are a few things I made sure to include to make my BIG day eco-fabulous!

1) Electronic invitations and thank you's! I used Pingg.com for a clean, professional look.  It comes with an option to digitally open your invitation from an envelope - super cute!  Plus, you can upload your own designs.
  
2) A wedding website for all the details and info your guests will need.  Here's my personal wedding website that included much of the necessary info without having to mail out instructions.  MilaHugh.weebly.com

3) Electronic gift requests. Wedding registries are overrated!  Who needs all that stuff?  We opted for a honeymoon gift fund that our guests could contribute to online!

4) Handcrafted candle holders! I made the most adorable little candle holders using recycled honey glass jars (see photo above).  Unfortunately they never made it to my wedding (lets just say mom didn't like the vintage theme I was going for).  Needless to say, they're currently up for sale on Etsy.com

5) Handmade favors.  It's always more personal when you can make something for your guests.  But if time and money is an issue, do what I did... use reusable spice jars filled with your favorite dried fruit.  I used unsweetened, organic dried cherries!  Yum.

6) Locally owned and operated businesses with environmentally-friendly practices.  Even if you can't afford a specific "green" product they offer, it's nice to support their efforts anyway.  For instance, booking with a flower boutique that offers both conventional and sustainably grown flowers - you may not be able to afford the sustainable option but you appreciate they offer it.

7) Venue and caterer with a zero-waste policy (this typically includes a recycle and compost service).  Many venders I spoke with who offer this service don't even charge extra for it - BONUS $$$ points!

8) Reusable rentals (linens, plates, silverware, etc).  Yes, this adds serious dollars to your event, but I can't imagine all the waste without it.  Of course, you can always use compostable plates and silverware.  I've seen some elegant options out there!

9) Botanical hair and beauty salon with natural and organic products.  This one can be tricky and costly, but worth it if you can afford it.

FOR THE LOVE OF RAW CACAO

A Box of Chocolates?

Why not make your own, with love!  Treat your lover to a RAW cacao Valentine's delight. Learn the art of handcrafting your own raw chocolates and infused cacao treats!  Find out how at www.raw-radiance.com


Valentine's Chocolate Truffle Mousse

(from the Raw Chocolate & Wine ebook)


1/2 cup cashews (soak 2 hrs)
1/2 cup raw cacao powder
1/4 cup water
2 medjool dates, pitted (soak 20 min)
1 Tbsp raw honey
1 Tbsp melted coconut oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch Himalayan salt


Soak cashews, rinse and drain.  Next, soak pitted dates in 1/4 cup water (do not discard water).  Blend all ingredients thoroughly, including water from dates, until smooth and creamy!  Add more water if needed for desired consistency.  Serve with fresh strawberries.