New to Yoga

I've found something new for me and I absolutely adore it! It's Yoga!

Over the past few years I've tried yoga here and there but always found it to be a challenge. Not physically but mentally. Stuck in my head were the thoughts "is this almost over" , "ugh, I hate being told what to do", and "I should be doing ____ instead of yoga right now". All these caused me to become irritated with yoga.

I couldn't understand how people developed this intense love for yoga. I tried giving it a shot at home but nope.. again easily distracted and left it behind until. Until recently when I was adamant about meditating every morning for at least 15minutes. This helped me become grounded (being in the present moment), control my breathing and set intentions for the day. My days became a lot more in the moment and less worrying about the past and future.

One day I saw that one of our local yoga studios (I live in the Vancouver area- there's lots!), Kushala offered an early morning class. I'm a morning person and am truly willing to try new things early on in the day so I thought I'd give it yet another shot. I walked out of the class thinking "hmm, that was different and I like it". Putting it out there and wanting more, the universe gave me a kind nudge and gift. Kushala Yoga had a deal for the summer - 2 months unlimited for a cheap price. Okay, I got the hint and I snagged the deal.

It's been 11 days since and I'm so in love with Yoga! My days are so much calmer. When stressful situations arise I don't react as I would have a month ago. My body is transforming into a long lean working power house that holds my found again spiritual side. I'm being challenged to try new things at my classes and I'm actually taking the risks. My thinking is going deeper into my true self and I'm wanting to express my true self to the world, accept me as I am. My posture when I do other exercises or even sit/stand has improved (my core is building). There are so many benefits that are naturally adding up after each class.

I'm aligned again and looking forward to the rest of my summer yoga journey. I will give you all an update on the rest of the yoga journey in September.

*Side note: Lululemon has come out with a great app that locates the nearest yoga studio near you and what their schedule is. Check it out here: Lululemon Om Finder

-Michelle
Certified Holistic Health Coach

Yoga for Starters - Namaste infographic by HealthCentral.

Health Product Review : Vega One Bar

I've been meaning to post this review of the Vega One Bar for a couple weeks now but I have been super busy and running around. This ties into why the Vega One Bar is so awesome - it's perfect for on the go!

I always love a good protein smoothie when I'm in need of nutrition after a good workout or just looking for a delicious meal replacement. There are times though that I don't feel like packing around my smoothie cup or I know I won't be heading home after for a fresh smoothie. I had been looking for a good nutrition bar that would actually be nutritious, plant based and at the same time taste good. I had been trying lots of them out but I found a majority of them had lots of preservatives, contained whey protein (I'm not a fan) or just plain simple didn't taste good.  To my lovely surprise one morning I had a glorious newsletter from Vega sitting in my inbox reading, "Introducing the new Vega All In One Bar"!

Jackpot!! No more searching! I was crossing my fingers, hoping that it tastes good because it lined up with all my other requirements. The results were in: OMG they taste good! So good that when I was running out the door and grabbed one I would forget to take a picture for you all. I'd get in the car and open it up and my fiance would be sitting next to me wanting a bite of it. Haha no sharing here (sorry babe). I've purchased many more since my first taste. Today I went to grab one from our local gluten free & vegan bistro - Chomp Vegan Eatery, to show you all a "live picture" and they we're sold out. The owner said they just can't keep them in stock. Now you know it's a good nutrition bar when you can't keep them stocked.

It's everything you love about a Vega One Nutrition shake now in a sumptuous, on-the-go bar. Yes, clean, plant-based nutrition. And guess what?! - It's dipped in chocolate! I loved that it was a thick coating of chocolate but just a nice "dipped ice cream cone" type covering. There are currently 3 flavours: Double Chocolate, Chocolate Cherry, and Chocolate Almond. All were amazing and I was surprised how much I enjoyed the cherry flavour as I'm ususally not a cherry fan. It had nice plump chunks of cherry bites throughout the bar. This bar leaves you feeling satisfied and feeling good as it's also gluten free.

Want the facts?

•       15 g protein

•       6 g fibre, 24% daily intake

•       1.5 g omega 3

•       Antioxidants

•       1 billion probiotics culture

•       1 servings of greens

If you are looking for more information or to buy the Vega One Bar online : Click Here

Enjoy!

-Michelle

Certified Holistic Health Coach

Back To Basics - Roasted Vegetables

A common question I hear amongst my health coaching clients is "How do I incorporate more easy to make vegetables into my diet? So I thought I would share with you all my #1 solution  - Roasted Vegetables.
It's my go to dish during the fall and winter months and quickly adds a ton of veggies to any meal.

 

I will admit, I used to be intimidated by these roasted veggies until one day I had no choice to do it myself. Funny thing - It's crazy how easy this dish is to make! Toss in all different kinds of veggies like brussel sprouts, sweet potato, carrots, potato, yams, peppers, and for flavor onion & garlic. You can also add in half way through any softer veggies such as broccoli, zucchini and mushrooms.

 

Roasted Vegetables

 

Wash, Chop, Bake and Eat!

 

1. Wash your veggies, give them a good cleaning.
2. Chop them up into cubes, think baby blocks style. Be sure to that they are all relatively the same size. I like to cut the onion and garlic a bit smaller so the taste can really get in there.
3. Throw everything into a casserole dish and drizzle olive oil all over. Add some sea salt and salt n pepper. Mix it all up.
4. Cover with tin foil and bake at 400 degrees F for 50 minutes. Half way through - toss the veggies up a bit, cover again with tin foil and place back into the oven.
5. Once they are done you should be able to place your fork through the vegetable without effort.

They make for great leftovers. There you go - lunch planned now too!

 

Enjoy!

 

-Michelle
Certified Holistic Health Coach

Have You Checked Your Tongue Lately?

Have you looked in the mirror lately and stuck out your tongue? What color is it??
I know... sounds weird but your tongue is a great indicator of what is going on inside your body.

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A bright redish color may indicate that your insides are inflamed and you are needing to cool down. Maybe not just food wise cool down but maybe slow down in life too. If you've been feeling irritated, agitated or angry it might be time to change up your diet as something is not agreeing with you. Most often when I see that clients are a redish color I notice they've also been having too many spicy foods and consuming too many foods that they have a sensitivity/allergic too which causes a disturbance in their digestion tract. The coating of your tongue can indicate different situations in the body as well. A whitish coating on your tongue can indicate that your body isn't properly digesting food.

A healthy tongue is a light pinkish color, has a light clear coating, is moist and is able to move freely (not swollen). To keep a healthy tongue and body I recommend cleaning your tongue daily. This removes the toxins that have built up your tongue from the day and night. You can purchase a tongue scraper from most pharmacies or I recently learned that you can use the edge of spoon. It is important to scrape from the back of the tongue forward and do not scrape too hard (be nice to your tongue).

Keep those tongues healthy and CLEAN ! 

-Michelle Kennedy

Certified Holistic Health Coach

3 Tips to Avoiding the Flu Bug

Eat Those Greens!

 Crossing my fingers, knocking on wood that I don't jinx myself by giving away my tips to avoiding the flu or catching the latest cold. I'll come clean... I haven't had a cold for 3 years! Really?! yes sirreee.


I follow these tips as soon as I start seeing people around me coughing, hacking or sneezing. That alarm goes in my head, time to go into the safe zone.

3 Tips to Avoiding the Flu or Cold Bug :

1.) Drink hot or warm water constantly during the day.

Our lymphatic system is the drains to our body. When these drains are clogged up the germs that we take in get stuck in our bodies. When germs are stuck in our bodies the body sends signals to fight these germs and that's when we start feeling sick. Keeping the body hydrated keeps the lymphatic system flowing smoothly and leaving your immune system in tact.

2.) At All Costs - Don't Touch Your Face!
Simple yet often forgotten by numerous people. It was found in a study that on average people touch their face up to 104 times in 3 hours. These germs can get into your system through your mouth, nose, and eyes. It's a quick route for those bugs.

3.) Eat Even Healthier!
During the flu season it's no time to decide to go off your healthy eating plan. It's time to bump it up instead. Keeping your immune system in working order is your main goal when trying to avoid the bug. Eating unhealthy and packaged food doesn't provide your body with proper nutrients. Try eating more vegetables, soups and lean protein so your body is ready to defend.

Good luck out there people!

-Michelle

Chemicals on Our Skin

Our skin is the largest organ of our body and the most ignored when it comes to health. We don't realize how many chemicals our skin comes into contact each day. Through our skin these chemicals can go into our blood stream and over time can cause possible side effects. It's alway a good idea to be aware of what chemicals you are eating, drinking or putting on your body.

Mind Body Green posted a great infograph from The Daily Mail that shows the 515 chemicals women put on their bodies everyday. Hmm I wonder if it's a good time to start thinking about switching to organic shampoos, make-up and lotions? I know it's a tough habit to break but it seems we all should take a look at slowly introducing organic beauty products into our daily beauty rituals.

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Do you use organic beauty products? 

-Michelle

HHC in Women's Health Magazine

Did anyone see this in the December issue of Women's Health Magazine?

That's me, a Holistic Health Coach!

Health Coach featured in Women's Health Magazine

I can help you shed more than just pounds though. It's time to get rid of those lingering health problems or concerns of yours.

By the end of my 6 month program you will be feeling amazing!

Contact me if you'd like more information or visit my website at www.revive-healthcoach.com

-Michelle