A Wandering Yoga Girl

Back at it with a breakfast recipe. I've been under the weather over this holiday season and all I can eat are food with porridge consistency. For the most of part of, I can't taste or smell anything. How timely! With mandarin oranges and durians in season, I can't smell or taste! Oh well, I had to feed myself and with the high-on-meds-tipsy-brain that I've got, I made a bowl of oatmeal for myself this morning. All you need are some kitchen staples, at least my kitchen staples, and cook away in 10 minutes. Did I tell you about my chia seeds obsession? You can see it in all my breakfast recipes. Things you need: * Rolled oats - as much as you want * Rice milk/any plant based milk - to cook the rolled oats * A pinch of salt * Toppings - Honey/ maple syrup, chia seeds (Get creative and add anything you like) Cooking method: Add enough liquid until the rolled oats are covered and use a medium flame to avoid your oat meal from sticking to the bottom. 10

I have always loved smoothie bowls. I think it's way better than sugar loaded ice cream. Green smoothies are great but sometimes the fibers can be a put off. My new found love is a sweet and tart strawberry smoothie. Absolutely easy and a delicious breakfast. All you need is a handful of strawberries, one banana, a splash of plant based milk (I used vanilla rice milk) and some chia seeds. Freeze your berries and bananas as soon as you get them and just blend up a smoothie for breakfast. Add any topping as you desire. Some granola bits will taste amazing too. It's a great way to kick start your day with some fruits and seeds and trust me, it does fill you up for almost 2 and a half hours. I wish you health and happiness! 

January 1st is when most people hit the reset button and attempt to make serious life and fitness affirmations. I am totally IN for that. Having an awareness to make a change is wonderful and everyone who is determined to achieve their goals deserve an appreciation. Be it small or big, every effort counts and it is precious. Kudos to each one of you trying to stay motivated and getting a step closer to your dreams every day. 2017 was challenging but hey, growing up ain't easy. Here's what I've learnt in 2017: Patience, my darling Practice, practice, practice Stay soft and be vulnerable Love and kindness always win Move even when you don't feel like it Balance  When the going gets tough, SLEEP Self love and self care is mandatory Good health comes from what you eat Don't stop dreaming For 2018, I aspire to become a better version of myself and I foresee unstoppable growth this year. Another year of learning and enhan

As fabulous as all the bendy, twisty and inverted yoga pictures look, I can guarantee it took ridiculous amount of practice to get there. It's always worth it. Dedication and discipline does reward you, not just physically but mentally as well. I always encourage my students to add another day or two of self practice besides the once a week yoga class. Okay, I'm steering off topic. Let me tell you about my struggles with backbends. Not that I want to rant, but those crazy poses are so hard that I avoid it.  My upper back is as tight as a jam jar. Haha! 6 weeks ago I signed up for a yoga workshop called the 'Hatha Awakening Series' by Yogatara . I highly recommend it. Being a student after a long time has really changed my outlook on yoga pratice. I really owe it to the teacher. She is so grounded and inspirational. With her guidance, I am practicing more frequently and here begins my journey to discover those tough backbends. This picture shows my first attempt to

In recent times, my practice is revealing new perspectives. After July 2015, I would say my growth hit a plateau. I was struggling to keep a focused mind and my body was no longer cooperating with me. I was slacking in strength and I was distracted. Trying to teach amidst this was chaos was too difficult and I made many mistakes. I would say, you have to hit rock bottom to rise. The past two years was a real eye opening phase of my life and I believe it was to teach me or rather show me what are my REAL priorities as an individual. I also had some teachers, books and many spiritual videos that lead me to discover a new self and purpose.  Now, these are my life mantra.  1) Health over physical appearance should be your real goal.   2) I choose yoga as a lifestyle and not an exercise regime. Move and move more.  3) The kind of food you consume determines your physique, energy level, productivity, mental and emotional well being. 4) Water and rest! 5) Listen to the voice.

Well, let's talk about the rainy season again. Apples are abundant around this time of the year. I give a lot of importance to my breakfast. I like it wholesome and variety is key. This was an experimental oatmeal with ingredients lying around my kitchen. I presume a little bit of nut milk would have made it creamier but I didn't have any in hand. Overall, it was an interesting experience. Ingredients: Rolled oats - 1 cup Apples - 2 Cinnamon powder- 2 generous pinch Brown sugar - 1 tablespoon Honey - 1 tablespoon Salt - a pinch Let's make oatmeal. It's so easy peasy. Add the oats, chopped apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, honey, salt and water in a pan and let it bubble away on a medium flame. Let is cook for 20 to 25 minutes and voila! Your breakfast is ready. Top it with more honey, almonds, flax seeds and chia seeds. More fresh apple slices! Why not? Bon appetite!