In my last couple of articles, I covered the warming effects of chair pose, the energizing effects of warrior lunges, and the importance of balancing blood sugar with natural high fibre and protein foods like nuts, seeds, and whole fruits. As we move toward the wetter west coast seasons of fall and winter, our bodies crave the warmth of cooked and baked foods, surefire ways to infuse you with comfort.
You’ve had no fluid all night, so start your day right with 250 to 500 ml of warm water or a herbal tea to rehydrate. Whether you start your day off immediately with food or hold off for your intermittent fasting window to end, rolled oats are a heart-healthy way to fill you up and sustain you for several hours. Add in your favourite dried fruits and some nuts or fresh cut apple with cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness and you’ll naturally satisfy your sweet tooth without causing major blood-sugar fluctuations. (Want savoury? Head online for a multitude of savoury oats recipes to please your palate.)
Whether you prefer practicing yoga in the morning, afternoon, or night, it’s always best to practice on an empty stomach so as not to interfere with digestion or impede your practice. A simple yet energizing and time-sensitive yoga combo in the morning is downward dog/lunge flows.
Start off in a lunge position, with your hands on either side of your right foot, knee over your ankle and back leg extended straight with your toes tucked under (no shoes or socks are needed). Step your right foot back to meet your left, move your hands shoulder-width apart and find yourself in an upside-down V shape: downward facing dog. Draw your navel to your spine for core support, press your hands flat to avoid wrist strain, draw your shoulders “up” your back away from your ears (no hunching) and then press your heels towards the floor. Your legs do not have to be perfectly straight, nor do your heels need to touch the floor. Take three to five slow, deep breaths, then bend your knees and step your opposite foot forward into lunge position again. Take another three to five slow breaths then step back into downward dog and repeat five to eight times.
Until next time, keep it real.