Saturday, December 26, 2009

Ghee

Ghee is a highly oxidized form of fat meaning the cells have been damaged during cooking and it may contain cancer causing compounds. In fact, all deep fat fried foods have the same cancer causing compounds. These fats should be consumed in moderation and ghee is great for traditional Indian dishes. The use of olive oil and other monounsaturated fats is well known for it's health promoting benefits!

I
ngredients:

1 lb unsalted butter, preferably organic

Cooking Instructions:

1. Using a medium sized sauce pan heat butter over medium heat.
2. Stir frequently while butter melts and starts to boil. The oils will begin to separate and a froth will form on top. Using a spatula remove the froth and discard. Continue to cook until oil is clear. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 12-15 minutes.
3. Strain the ghee through a fine sieve and place into an airtight container, stir at room temperature.

Use ghee in place of butter or oils, enjoy :-)



Thursday, December 24, 2009

Sweet & Spicy Vegetarian Curry with Wholesome Grains


Ingredients:



1/2 white onion, finely chopped

4 tablespoons ghee, divided (see blog for recipe)

2 sweet potatoes, washed and cubed

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

2 carrots, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 tablespoon sea salt

3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas beans, drained and rinsed or 1 1/4 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight

1 zucchini, sliced

1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed

10 ounces fresh spinach

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large wok or dutch oven, saute onion until clear in 2 tablespoons ghee over medium high heat. Add the sweet potatoes, green and red peppers, and carrots and saute for 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium sized saucepan saute remaining ghee, garlic, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, sea salt, and cayenne pepper for 2-3 minutes over medium heat. Or until spices release aroma.

3. Combine spice mixture with vegetables in wok or dutch oven, reduce heat to medium. Add the chickpeas, zuchini, and orange juice and allow to simmer for 20 minutes covered.

4. Stir in the spinach and cook 3-4 minutes or until spinach wilts. Serve immediately.

Adjusting the recipe for your Dosha:

Vata: Replace bell peppers with winter squash (ex: butternut). Replace chickpeas with whole presoaked mung beans (soak overnight uncovered in the refrigerator). Reduce cumin and turmeric. Serve with Basmati rice.

Pitta: Replace carrots with red skinned potatoes. Replace green pepper with another red bell pepper. Replace spinach with collard greens (boil for 30 minutes before adding). Reduce garlic, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Serve with Basmati rice.

Kapha: Replace sweet potato with more carrots. Reduce the amount of ghee used. Serve with cooked pearled barley.

What is a dosha? A metabolic classification of the body using the principles of Ayurveda. Ayurveda, the science of life, is the oldest holistic system of medicine and come from India. This system of medicine strives to achieve balance between the three doshas to create wellness.

How do I find out my dosha? Google Dosha quiz and you'll find many varieties of quizzes. Take time to consider the answers and try to think of your immediate relation to these needs as well as over the course of your life.


Holiday Healthy Eating Tips

In the craze of the Holidays sometimes our lives, our practice, and our mindful eating habits sometimes get derailed. Here are a few ideas to help you stay on track this time of year and always!

1. Before going to Holiday parties or a get together have a light snack.

2. Bring a healthy dish along, so that you know you have one health promoting option. Ex: Red Pepper Hummus with whole grain pita or Naan or Roasted Vegetables

3. Think of the food you consume as being raw or cooked. Try to eat only raw or only cooked food and give your body the ability to digest and assimilate the nutrients in your meal.

4. Get one plate with the things you really want - that way you don't go back for seconds and load up with all the things "you wish you'd had."

5. Let go of any expectations of loosing weight and hold onto the ideal of maintaining that wonderful healthy body of yours. The body understands and aims to manifest any negative or positive associations you make with it!

6. Slow down! Taste every bite... chew your food well!

7. Opt for Light Beer or Liquor with a soda or a small glass of wine - it's amazing how many calories a few beers, a fruity liquor drink, or big glass of wine can add to your daily intake. Even better skip the alcohol and having a warming cup of peppermint tea or chai!

8. No ice, please! Skip the ice to help promote digestion.

9. No matter what you eat - feel blessed for the nourishment and send gratitude out for the delicious food and drink.

10. Enjoy the company, the seasons, and remember that as with all things moderation is the key!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Class Schedule Spring 2010

Hello all! I'm excited to be offering a lot of classes starting this January! You'll find that I teach group Yoga classes in three locations: Georgia Southern University RAC, Honey Bowen Community Center, and Ogeechee Technical College from beginner to advanced. In addition to group Yoga classes, I also teach private Yoga, breath work, deep relaxation, and meditation classes. I am also offering wellness consultations regarding nutrition, preparing meals, energetics of food, purchasing food, etc.
January 2010 and beyond
Monday
Private Yoga Clinics 8:30-9pm @ the RAC (last Monday of every month)
Tuesday
Advanced Rise and Shine Yoga 7-8am @ the RAC
All Level Yoga 12-1pm @ the RAC
Flow Yoga 6-7pm @ Ogeechee, $8 drop in
Wednesday
Rise and Shine Yoga 7-8am @ the RAC
Yin Yoga/Stretch 5:00-5:20pm @ the RAC
All Level Yoga 5:30-6:20pm @ the RAC
Thursday
Community Flow Yoga 5:45-6:45pm @ Community Center, $5 drop in
Sunday
Beginner Yoga 5:30-6:20pm @ the RAC
Yin Yoga/Stretch 6:30-6:50pm @ the RAC