Soup is Good Food!

I love soup. It's my food of choice. Give me a bowl of piping hot hearty lentil soup in the middle of a scorching hot summer and I'm one happy girl.

Not only do I enjoy eating soup, I fully enjoy making it. I love making soup from scratch - throw in a little of this and a little of that...add your favorite organic veggie stock and it's an easy road to making a pot of nourishing soup right at home! Bean soup is one of my favorites and it's super easy. I made a pot last night and today we have leftovers! Soup leftovers rule!

Get your favorite beans. Soak them overnight. Drain and rinse them good. Transfer them to your favorite soup pot. Add the stock. Doesn't matter how much. It just depends on whether or not you like a lot of broth for your soup! I do. Although, for about 3 cups of beans you'll need at least 4 cups of stock (in my experience). Medium heat is good. Let the beans get rolling in the stock.

Chop up: 1 large green bell pepper (red too if you like), carrots and celery (chopped up about a cup), 1 medium onion, 2 large garlic cloves. Then, I like to saute all of the delicious fresh veggies in coconut oil to an al dente. Then add them in with the beans. I add a bay leaf just so. Oh and about a teaspoon of basil leaves. Sea salt and pepper to taste. I chop up about 4 juicy red tomatoes and stir them in. If tomatoes don't look red and savory in the produce section, I opt for a can of organic chopped tomatoes (the 14 or 16oz size). Sprinkle in some good Thyme, Rosemary and Sage if you like. Let the soup sit on simmer for about an hour. My recommendation is to test it. I like the beans a bit al dente. I also like to splash in a little Braggs Amino Acid. I garnish with flat leaf parsley. For those of you are not vegan, sprinkle a bit of Asiago cheese on top - adds that bit of salty zest that is oh so good...

Chill a bottle of your favorite white wine and catch up on your DVR recordings. This may not be for everyone but eating homemade soup, sipping on super chilled Sauvignon Blanc from Oyster Bay and watching old episodes of Mad Men is my kind of night...

Soup it up!

Twist into Bliss!

I was on Lanikai beach in Hawaii some summers ago - early morning. The quiet sounds of the water inspired me to take in deep cleansing breaths. The early morning slight breeze was magnificent. I was ready to practice my Yoga. I was honored to practice my Yoga in such a beautiful place. I sat on my mat gazing. I gently began to connect with my breath, soften my eyes and energize my spine. It was perfect. I started with a twist to energize. Left then right.
Then something amazing happened, after a final exhale to find just a little more space in my spine I felt complete. I felt grounded. I felt a ripple of pure love energy zip up my spine into my head and into my breath. Woa. What a feeling. What a release. Was one single twist all I needed? Yes! The twist was all I needed that morning... Then, I jumped into the ocean and floated. I let the salt water massage my skin. I listened to the breathtaking sounds of the ocean...Yoga rules. Yoga graciously gives you exclusive moments that are you and unique only to you.

The twist - a basic yoga pose.
Ardha Matsyendrasana - the basic twist.
(It's always good to know the Sanskrit term for the Yoga postures you practice often)

There is no doubt about it, the twist is a beautiful pose. There are many variations and they all offer amazing health benefits. Practicing twists regularly will massage and nourish the deep muscles in the spine and give it flexibility. Spinal twists promote extra blood to the spinal nerves, tone up sluggish abdominal organs and are great for the hips and waistline. When you practice the twist you will come to feel and know all of the above!

Here is one very simple twist for you to practice today! Why not right now?
12 Easy Steps

1. Sit on the floor - Stretch your legs out
Keep both buttocks connected to the floor
2. Sit up - make your spine feel long - don't puff your chest out - imagine your lower pelvis tucking under
3. Connect with your breath - just be aware of your inhales and exhales!
4. Step your right foot over your left leg
5. Right foot flat on the floor - Right ankle hugged near your left knee
6. Now - you can either hug the crook of your left elbow around your right knee
or simply grab your right ankle with your left hand
7. Gently wrap your right arm around behind you or if you're up to it wrap the back of your right hand around the lower left back
8. Twist to the right!
9. As you inhale find space in your spine
10. As you exhale twist.............................
11. Since you are twisting to the right, I suggest when you inhale be conscious that you are lifting your left side spine a bit more, then as you exhale you twist beautifully to your right side
12. Switch to other side!

There is no goal. Please twist into what feels good for you.
Just make sure you are breathing.
Stay relaxed.
Stay focused on your breath. After all, your breath is your life!

Any questions? Feel free to email: Lisa@DoceVidaFitness.com

Om.

A Great Alternative!

Slice the garlic nice and thin...the oils are a culinary aroma unlike any other...ahh...the delicious scent of fresh garlic...invigorates the appetite! Don't forget the fresh organic stuff - onions, tomatoes, fresh parsley, mushrooms (we like shitake for ours) and peppers, thyme and other secret spices...oh and a drizzle of olive oil - now spoon it all over your al dente pasta! Wait. Your belly can't take the heaviness of regular pasta? No worries. Organic Rice pasta to the rescue! Gluten Free - yippee!!


Organic rice pasta is an amazing alternative to traditional pasta.
The brand we enjoy is Tinkyada and it is free of wheat gluten, dairy,
egg, soy and casein
Tinkyada Organic Rice Pasta

This is a short and sweet blog for today...We just wanted to share a food tip.
Cook some pasta tonight. Buon appetito!

Female Entrepreneurs Rock The World!

On Wednesday, May 6th from 8:30am to 5:00pm in New York City hundreds of female entrepreneurs will meet at the Union Square Ballroom to Rock the World! This amazing event, will guide female entrepreneurs into strategies on how to make more money in 2009. This once a year event is sponsored by Savor the Success, an online support community for female entrepreneurs founded by Angela Jia Kim (Meet Angela).
The wonderful Angela is also founder and CEO of OM Aroma & Co. A company that offers natural and organic beauty products. Om Aroma's tag line... 'Sexy Green Has Arrived' ™

Back to Rocking the World...At the event female entrepreneurs with savor topics like:
Story Spinning - Crafting Your Unique Story And Breakout Session
with Melissa Cassera

The Secret Growth Strategy
What Successful Companies Are Using In This Economy
guided by Mike Michalowicz

Branding Your Product
presented by Ayesha Mathews

Sales Seduction
Secrets to Creating A Compelling Customer Experience
led by Sydney Biddle Barrows

A panel of Social Media will offer a Q&A session!
Plus, expert roundtables will offer insight on topics like web design, marketing, PR, business consulting, virtual assistance, social media and branding.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAVOR THE SUCCESS
& the Rock the World Event
Savor the Success is an amazing and supportive community for female entrepreneurs!
Are you an entrepreneur? Our advice...Join today!

Female Entrepreneurs Rock The World! May 6 - 8:30 - 5:30pm
Union Square Ballroom - 27 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003

Mother Love Fitness Challenge

Doce Vida Fitness would like to thank Baby Boot Camp for encouraging moms across the country to make a change for Mother Earth.

Read on...You'll Love It.

Planet Point Challenge Encourages Moms to Compete for Change
Hundreds of Baby Boot Camp students across the nation are in the home stretch of a 3-month fitness challenge, Baby Boot Camp's 2009 "Mother Love" Fitness Challenge. They spent February and March increasing their cardiovascular endurance and strength, but April is all about making Mother Earth a little healthier.

"We're hoping to encourage behavior change among a very influential population — moms," says Kristen Horler, founder and CEO of Baby Boot Camp. "Our Planet Point competition combines individual, community and fund raising efforts, all with an eye toward conserving water, energy and fuel, as well as increasing the health and well being of families across America." Donations raised by Baby Boot Camp moms will benefit Healthy Child Healthy World (www.HealthyChild.org), a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring parents to protect young children from harmful chemicals.

Track Points and Win!
Participants can download the PDF Planet Point Tracking Sheet. At the end of the month they'll turn in their point totals to their franchise owners/instructors. National sponsors, including The First Years' True Fit Car Seat, Joggermom.com, Strollometer, Glow Mama Beverages, Attune Probiotic Wellness Bars, Doce Vida Fitness and Kiddie Kangaroo have made the competition even more fierce by providing a variety of prizes that motivated moms can win, either through team awards or by a drawing.

LEARN MORE

PASCHIMOTTANASANA for ALL Women!

There is a simple yoga posture you can practice that will stimulate and oxygenate your entire reproductive area. Invigorate your pelvis region!
Ta da... PASCHIMOTTANASANA.

Here is the skinny...
In Sanskrit:
Paschim = West
Ut = Intense
Tan = Stretch
Asana = posture
Thus, you have 'Intense West Stretch Posture'
You are stretching the entire back of your spine
or the west side of your body.
Let's hear it for the 'West Side'...
Although you are stretching the back of your spine, this posture digs deep into a stretch in the buttocks, hamstrings and back of the knees which all have a close relationship with your hips(and your pelvis!). By releasing those tight hamstrings, you are also sending the stretch into the buttocks. Stretch the buttocks you'll eventually scoop out tension in the low spine which will lend a hand in loosening up the hips and your pelvis. When you elongate your hamstrings, your low pelvis tilts forward, your upper pelvis tilts back, and in this movement your reproductive area feels a nice release as well. Plus, the compression of the forward bend gives the reproductive organs a massage...

SAVOR THIS STRETCH - IT FEELS NICE.
This posture has much to offer.
Remember - when you practice yoga - listen to your body.
Learn how to feel subtle changes in your body.
Learn how to accept where your body is each moment in the pose.

You will get the most benefits if you BREATHE...

We broke it down to 4 steps.
1. Sit on your buttocks with legs extended forward, weight evenly distributed on your butt bones. Take in a few deep breaths and with your arms at your side, stretch your spine upwards and straight. Don't poof out your chest.

2. Knees remain straight. Keep your thighs flat on the floor, this is important.

3. Stretch forward from both sides of your waist.
** You are trying to grab your big toes with your thumb, pointer and middle fingers.
** If at first you can't reach your feet with your hands, grasp your ankles or calves; or try a strap. Just be sure not to bend the knees! Try to keep your spine straight.

4. Stretch from your buttocks.

Eventually, you will want to bend forward to reach your forehead to your knees.
You should also feel a stretch in your hamstrings, calves and buttocks.
Keep your shoulders relaxed. Keep a soft gaze.

As in every posture, come out slowly, no sudden or jerking movements.
Be easy with yourself.

1 minute is usually a good time limit to hold the posture.
Or however long you desire. If it feels good go with it...
Have confidence that you are taking care of yourself.
We hope you enjoy this pose.

Need more info? Feel free to email us. Lisa@DoceVidaFitness.com

Om.

And It All Started In Your Legs...

Strong LEGS = Strong Pelvis
Strong Pelvis = Strong Core
Strong Core = Strong Center of Gravity
Strong Center of Gravity = Strong Posture
Strong Posture = Strong Sense of Who You Are
Strong Sense of Who You Are = PEACE.
(and it all started in your legs...)




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Take Good Care of Your Tongue

What happens in your mouth at night while you sleep? There's a soiree going on and the toxins are partying like rock stars. Of course, you brushed and flossed before bed to remove the SLUDGE from the day. Good Start! Sweet Dreams...

The alarm goes off. Rise and shine. First, take in a few deep breaths to get the oxygen going, maybe an easy going forward bend to release the back? Now, head straight to the bathroom and clean your tongue! Using your magnificent ergonomically correct tongue scraper, tongue wand, tongue cleaner whatever you want to call it, scrape your tongue. Tongue scrapers are designed to clean the bacterial build-up, food debris, fungi, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. The tongue is a nesting ground for bacteria and at night while you rest, everyday toxins, bacteria etc make their appearance and settle into the many tiny crevices in your mouth. The last thing you want to do is to let those toxins and bacteria start to make their way back into your body. If you tongue scrape first thing, you can get rid of a lot of those irritating toxins that settle in the night, so they don't drip back into your system throughout your day.

Tongue hygiene has roots in the tradition of Ayurveda, the practice of traditional Indian medicine. In Ayurvedic practice it is recommended that tongue cleaning be part of one's daily hygiene regimen, to remove the toxic debris, known as Ama.

Along with cleansing toxins from your mouth, tongue cleaning also improves the sense of taste and regularly cleaning your tongue also stimulates the secretions of digestive enzymes. So scrape away!

There are a variety of tongue scrapers on the market.
Visit your local health food store or shop online.
THIS IS A GOOD ONE!

xoxo, Doce Vida Fitness