Keep moving forward towards your inner sanctum, inner satisfaction, inner joy and happiness. Rest peacefully in transcendental mantra.
Posted by Nourish Body Mind Soul

Yoga Food - Yoga Palm Beach

Yummy Healthy Cheesecake

I've been spending a little bit of time searching online for raw vegan desserts lately (my current passion.) 

I found this very scrumptious looking recipe. It's one from this blog sweetlyraw.com When you have time go and have a look. There are lots of very inviting raw vegan recipes all of which look beautiful. 

Very healthy and delicious. I'm sure you will agree. Perfect Yoga Food.

Raw Caramel Apple Cheesecake

More fall flavors to share today! Who doesn't love the caramel apple combo?! It's a classic and even more perfect for this time of year. For literally years I've wanted to create this recipe. I'm so glad I finally did because it's a keeper. I'm going to make it again for Christmas.

This raw dessert is packed with apples all the way around. Dried apples in the crust, fresh apples in the filling, and both fresh and dried apples in the topping. Hey, I'm just trying to take advantage of Autumn's freshness! Mmmm....

Sweet smooth cheesecake with juicy apple chunks and thick caramel sauce with crunchy pecans on top.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Raw - Vegan - Gluten Free

Crust

I used 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon in my crust, as I wanted it to be a soft background flavor. Use more if you want a more defined flavor. You could do without the dried apples, but they really do create a unique crust that goes so well with the whole cheesecake.

2/3 cup almonds
1/4 cup pitted dates
3 tablespoons finely chopped, packed dried apples
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
1/2-1 teaspoon water

Grind the almonds in a food processor.
Add the dates and process together into a dough.
Pulse in the apples, cinnamon, and enough water to create a dough that will hold together when pressed.
Press most of the mixture into two small (3-4") cheesecake pans (I had a bit extra for an "apple nut ball" - chef's treat ;) OR press into a bunch of mini silicone muffin cups.

Filling

The filling is great by itself but if you want a cinnamon swirl, simply remove 3 tablespoons of the blended filling and add 1/2-3/4 teaspoon cinnamon to it. After pouring the filling over the crusts, spoon small blobs of the cinnamon mixture over the filling. Use a chopstick to push the mixture down into the cake and then swirl it around.

2 cups peeled, diced apples
3/4 cup cashews
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons melted coconut butter
4 tablespoons melted coconut oil
Pinch of salt

Blend the first 5 ingredients until completely smooth.
Add the butter and oil. Blend again to incorporate.
Pour over the crusts.
Chill in the fridge for 12 hours, or in the freezer for 5-6 hours and in the fridge for 1-2 hours before removing the ring.

Caramel
 

This is the easiest caramel sauce ever and super delish. If you have any of my raw dessert ebooks, you know that I love caramel featuring dates but this easy recipe can be stirred together in a bowl.

1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons lucuma, sifted
3 1/2 tablespoons almond butter*
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla

Add the maple, almond butter, and vanilla to a small bowl. Sift the lucuma over top. Stir in.

*A note about the almond butter - I use Dastony stone ground almond butter that is basically like silk. Creamier and silkier than any nut butter I've come across. You may have to adjust for consistency if using other brands that are thicker. Maybe 1/2 - 1 tsp water to thin.

Caramel Apple Topping

1 large apple, peeled and diced small
1 tablespoon finely chopped dried apple
Caramel (above)

Toss the apples with enough caramel to suit your liking! Extra caramel can be used to drizzle over other things, or eaten with sliced apples. It won't last long ;)

Great for thanksgiving or Christmas!

Yoga Breath - Practice and benefits

Yoga Breathing

Slow deep breathing helps you relax - At the end of a yoga class the teacher will take the class through a short session of yoga nidra or rest and relaxation. The teacher talks the class through simple breathing techniques, focusing on the breath, slowing the breath down, noticing the breath and so on. Breathing deeply helps you relax. This is also why people are encouraged to breathe deeply when they are angry or upset. Taking deep breaths increases the oxygen flow to your brain which helps keep you calm.

Slow deep breathing may reduce your risk of high blood pressure - Some medical studies show a connection between high blood pressure and shallow, fast breathing. It makes sense then that the faster your breathing rate, the higher your likelihood of suffering from high blood pressure. Consistent practise of hatha yoga is a very healthy habit to develop. There is so much emphasis placed on the importance of breathing and breathing technique that breathing correctly becomes a habit. Simply by taking time each day to be more aware of your breath, trying to breathe slowly and deeply can truly help you lower your risk of high blood pressure.

Slow deep breathing can increase your energy level - If you have trouble staying awake after you eat whether it be, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Why not try slow deep breathing instead of turning to stimulants like caffeine. When we breathe deeply into the lower part of the belly (the area just below the belly button) we are inhaling into the bottom most part of the lungs. The highest concentration of avioli (air sacs) are located in this part of the lungs so when we inhale into this area of the lungs, the body has access to more oxygen and has more of it to send to the cells in our body. The extra oxygen that you get from those deep breaths can give you the boost you need to get through your day.

If you would like to come to a class to stretch or practice yoga nidra relaxation and meditation, you are welcome to leave a comment below along with your details, we will contact you as soon as we can. Check our Timetable for a time that would suit you and come join in.

Visit our Facebook page yogameditationstudiopalmbeach like our page, leave a comment or RSVP. See you in class.

Namaste

Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation for Insomnia - Yoga Palm Beach

Insomnia
 
Our lifestyles have caused an insomnia epidemic.

The inability to achieve a good night’s sleep is one of the biggest factors undermining our quality of life today.

A large percentage of the worlds population suffer from sleeping problems. Approximately a third of these have chronic insomnia which affects moods, physical health, relationships and careers.

Due to this epidemic of chronic sleeping disorders, the birth of or, maybe I should say a resurgence of yoga nidra, or deep replenishing sleep yoga has come about. 

Yoga nidra, not only teaches students how to relax and sleep but also provides the knowledge and encouragement necessary so that students are able to transfer their yoga nidra experience into their daily life. They are able to maintain a calm mind, focus and balance through out their day.

In the West, more vigorous styles of yoga have found favour. However in the East for example India (known as the mother land of Yoga), their are a huge variety of yoga styles including the gentle style of pranayama (breath awareness exercises) as well as wakeful sleep, or the yoga of sleep.The regular practice of deep peaceful relaxation has for years been touted as one of the most beneficial practises you can do to improve mental health and  wellbeing. 

If you would like to come to a class to stretch, practice yoga nidra and meditation, you are welcome to leave a comment below along with your details, we will contact you as soon as we can. Check our Timetable for a time that would suit you and come join in.

Visit our Facebook page yogameditationstudiopalmbeach like our page, leave a comment or RSVP. See you in class.

Namaste
Yoga Palm Beach

Yoga Practise - Yoga Palm Beach

Yoga Practise

The foundation of yoga is a series of structured poses linked with your breathing. The benefits of regular practice include increased fitness and lower levels of stress and anxiety. A full yoga session should exercise every part of the body and should include pranayama (breath control practices), relaxation and meditation.
   
Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy that dates back thousands of years. It was designed as a path to spiritual enlightenment, but in modern times, the physical aspects of Hatha yoga have found huge popularity as a gentle form of exercise and stress management. There are many different varieties of yoga, but each one essentially relies on structured poses (asanas) practised with breath awareness.

Researchers have discovered that the regular practice of yoga produces many health benefits, including increased fitness and normalisation of blood pressure. Yoga is a renowned antidote to stress. Over time, yoga practitioners report lower levels of stress and increased feelings of happiness and wellbeing. This is because concentrating on the postures and the breath acts as a powerful form of physical meditation.

Most yoga classes include some form of pre-meditation like yoga nidra, used for rest and relaxation. As well as spiritual meditations, the main focus being transcendental sound also known as yoga mantra meditations. These meditations are made up of beautiful combinations of the ancient names of the supreme. This type of meditation has always been an integral part of the ancient yoga system. The practise of which offers profound benefits ensuring the student moves forward spiritually. A well rounded yoga practise should include benefits for the body, the mind and also the essence of a person - the spiritual being. This is the ultimate trilogy in a truly healthy, holistic yoga

practise which includes body, mind and spirit.

If you would like to come to a class to stretch or practice yoga and meditation, you are welcome to leave a comment below along with your details, we will contact you as soon as we can. Check our Timetable for a time that would suit you and come join in.

Visit our Facebook page yogameditationstudiopalmbeach like our page, leave a comment or RSVP. See you in class.


Namaste

Ride Your Bike - Yoga Palm Beach

The Benefits of Bike Riding

Bike riding is a popular sport, but many of us don’t find the time to go for many rides, even if we have a bike it usually sitting in the garage somewhere collecting dust!

A thirty minute bike ride will burn up about 8 kilojoules at a social pace, or 26 kj if you ride at 25 kph or faster. Compare that to 5kj for a slow walk or 9kj for half an hour of sit ups!


So bike riding is an effective form of exercise and can be part of a fitness or weight loss program. But there are other advantages as well.

* Unlike working out in a gym, bike riding will get you out in the fresh air and into different environments. You will be able to clear your mind and relax and enjoy yourself.


* Riding outside also exposes you to sunlight which is a natural source of vitamin D.

* Bike riding isn’t very stressful on most of your body, and it’s certainly less jarring than going for a run although a medium paced jog burns a similar amount of energy.

* Bike riding can be practical. Consider riding next time you need to visit a friend or maybe even use it as a way to get to work each day. Not only will you get some exercise, you’ll save petrol money, save the environment and may even save time.

* Make it social. It’s hard to chat whilst swimming or doing aerobics, but bike riding with a friend allows for chatting and you can have a break, stop for a picnic and relax at the end.

*Riding a bike with the rush of wind in your face can give a real sense of exhileration, release endorphins and make it so you feel better.

I really enjoy bike riding but I do find my muscles tighten up, that's why it's essential to stretch before riding and after riding also. Feels great to stretch your hips, ham strings and spine especially the lower back. If you enjoy bike riding make a point of stretching.

If you would like to come to a class to stretch or practice yoga, you are welcome to leave a comment along with your details, we will contact you as soon as we can.
Check our Timetable for a time that would suit you and come join in.

 Visit our Facebook page yogameditationstudiopalmbeach like our page, leave a comment or RSVP.

Namaste

Vera Paley Inspirational Yogini - Yoga Palm Beach

Very Inspirational 

It doesn't matter how old the body is the thing is to start practising yoga and keep going, don't stop. 

 Vera Paley: 91

Vera has been practicing for 50 years and teaching since 1983. She currently teaches yoga to Alzheimer patients in Florida and says;

 "I think I'm where I am because of what I do. Yoga is not just moving. It's breathing and daily meditation."


The Benefits of Yoga :

Here's a list of a few.

•     Stress Relief
•     Inner Peace and Calm.
•     Increased Strength, Physical Conditioning and Improved Posture
•     Weight Loss and Weight Management
•     Increased Overall Energy
•     Improved Sleep
•     Heightened Mental and Intuitive Awareness
•     Improved Hormonal Balance
•     Brain Synchronization and Brain Fitness
•     Whole Body Detoxification 

 The consistent practice of Hatha Yoga offers so many benefits as you see from this list. If you have not yet been to a yoga asana class why not start this week. Check out our timetable for a time that suits you. Start off slowly for example; Friday Heart and Soul yoga this is a good class to attend to gauge your fitness and flexibility level. You can move on from there, but this class would be a great place to start. 

Leave us a comment here along with your details and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Visit our Facebook page yogameditationstudiopalmbeach like our page, leave a comment or RSVP.

Namaste

YMSPB