Hummus For Health

Hummus is super easy to make and it is really good for you. It is full of protein, and Omega-3's which keep your heart healthy and your skin plump and glowing. You can make it easily in lots of different ways, and it costs hardly anything to do so.
If you buy hummus at the store, it is expensive and way too salty. This is the better way to go, and I will tell you how.

You will need:

Blender
Olive Oil, about 1/4 cup
1 clove Garlic
Can Organic Garbanzo Beans with the water
Juice from one Lemon
About 3 spoonfuls Tahini (you can find this at Fresh N' Easy or any "Hye" Market)
Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper to taste

Blend

That is it! Your hummus will taste best after a few hours in the fridge, after the flavors have settled together.

You can sub the Garbanzo beans for Black Beans.
You can add roasted red peppers, basil, or anything else you would like. Get creative!
Eat with Pita bread, veggies, crackers, whatever you like.

A New York Yoga Experience

Maybe it was the challenge involved of getting through crowds, and dodging cabs to actually get to the yoga school. Maybe it was the heat and humidity of New York City, maybe it was the asanas, but my first class at Jivamukti Yoga School was the most challenging of my life thus far.

It was indeed intense. The teacher was a french man named Eddie, who studied directly under David Life. He has a good energy about him, and I felt I could trust his teachings and liked him right away.

The class started with Sanskrit chanting, which Eddie led with an accordion, a new experience for me, but what I gathered is standard for a Jivamukti class. This was followed by quick moving asanas, much quicker than I am used to, as a warm up. Then he began to go slower, holding the poses for ten breaths each. He covered everything from inversions so back bends. His adjustments were deliberate, yet gentle, taking me to such a deep place in the poses, I can barley explain with words. Trikonasana, or Triangle Pose is one of my more challenging poses, the adjustment he gave me there allowed me to feel light and bright in it.

The amount of sweat that poured out of me made the sweat of a Bikram Class seem like a mere glisten. I licked the salty drips off my lips, feeling clean and renewed on more than a physical level.

During meditation at the closing of class, the sound of honking and rushing of traffic coming from outside became a white noise. I sat, seeming to float over my mat, completely calm, yet totally exhilarated.

When I left I was still floating. In a daze I stepping out into the thick summer air and pulsing energy of the city. Quite a shift from the quite, cool School.

The first sound my ears absorbed was a woman shouting in anger to another woman,

“Do you want to get socked in the cunt?!” Wow, where am I? What is happening? I thought.

Here I was leaving this Holy, sacred place in the midst of the world as it can be, both mindful and unaware, beautiful and ugly, scary and safe.

I am still shaking and completely lifted, laughing and crying as I go over the experience with my husband, overwhelmed by joy and emotion and insight for both my Yoga practice and teaching.

How or why I can’t explain, but the main lesson I have learned from all of this is:

I now see how hard I am on myself as a woman, as a person and a Yogi. How much I “expect” from both myself and others, and how I could use a healthy dose of patience on every level. I saw how “tough” I have always tried to be, and how strong I expect myself, and others to be as well.

Be strong. What about being soft in a tough world? I know in my mind that God is my strength. I feel I need to bring that knowledge to my forebrain more, what will come of that, I can only observe and continue to learn.

If you are interested in learning what Jivamukti is see: www.jivamuktiyoga.com

Save the Date! Moonlight Meditation/Yin Yoga Night

Did you know that science has found that meditation does wonders for mental health?

"Researchers at Harvard, Yale, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have found evidence that meditation can alter the physical structure of our brains. Brain scans they conducted reveal that experienced meditators boasted increased thickness in parts of the brain that deal with attention and processing sensory input." sited from, http://www.physorg.com/news10312.html

Meditation helps you to connect to your spirit. "Prayer is talking to God, meditation is listening to God."
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Personally, my most profound spiritual moments have been during meditation.

It is also good for marriage. When done together, meditation can help you to connect to your partner on a deeper level. That connection can lead to better communication and a greater understanding for one another.

Meditation also teaches us how to be fully aware in a moment.
Have you ever found yourself sitting in front of your child, a friend, or your spouse, when they are telling you something, only for you to realize moments later that you have not heard a word they said? Wouldn't you like to be fully present in the moment that you are in? Having the ability to give your full attention to one thing at a time can result in better finished projects, conversations and daily tasks, like driving.

Meditating leaves you feeling calm, relaxed, and grounded. It can move you from a scattered and over stimulated mind, to one that is clear and collected.

What does it mean to meditate? Setting an allotted amount of time in your day to sit, be still and not "do" anything. Not think about anything, or talk to anyone, to be still. In our multi-tasking culture, you may have to think back to the last time you were still or present.

If you are interested in trying meditation out for yourself, your chance is on it's way!

Friday July 23rd, 2010 at COIL Yoga Studio at 6:45pm-8:45pm

I will be leading students through a series of soft Yoga postures that prepare the body for sitting comfortably. Followed by assisting students to set up a seat to meditate on, using blankets and bolsters, or if you prefer a chair. Once we are settled, I will star by guiding you through a meditation Then together we will sit in silence to basque in the stillness we create. The room will be lit by candles and free from distractions.

You will be joined by people new to meditation, and those who are experienced as well. Everyone is welcome.

Cost is $35 per person.
You can sign up at: www.coilyoga.com by emailing the studio
or
email me at sarabadorineyoga@gmail.com

Eat Local, Buy Local, Go to Charlotte's Bakery!

If you live in or visit Fresno, then you need to know about Charlotte's Bakery. When I hear the bell ring as I swing open the heavy front door of Charlotte's Bakery, like Pavlov’s dogs I start to salivate. As I step in, I take a deep breath in and revel in the smell of fresh baked breads and cakes. I look around and see all the smiling people, who are happily chomping on their sandwiches and scones. As I walk up to the counter a lovely person with a warm smile is always there to greet me. Usually that person is a member of the family who started, owns and runs the place. Charlotte’s has lots of sun light coming in and it is always clean, so I feel comfortable while I wait for my breakfast or lunch. Although, even though there are always people there, the wait is never long. They also have outdoor seating, which is wonderful for enjoying the nice weather.
The best cupcakes in the entire Valley are at Charlotte’s, which was named after Susan’s mother. As I understand I it, Susan and her husband both bake everything, and they do it with plenty of love. Cupcake choices are different everyday but some of my favorites are Coconut, Mexican Chocolate, Raspberry, and Lavender Vanilla. (I had the Coconut one today, yum!) I love to ask Susan about her recipes and creations, and I think she also enjoys telling me about them. They also have different bread choices besides the wheat and white, like Kalamata Olive and Jalapeno. One of her son’s, Sam, works at the cash register with his pretty face and sweet disposition. The eldest son, whose name I don’t know, handles things going on in the back, along with his Dad. Because Charlotte's uses the best available ingredients, and makes each item fresh, with care and love, eating there is an experience that is special, and one to be cherished. In addition to sandwiches, Paninis, cupcakes and scones, cookies,you can also find breakfast cookies there that will keep you full until lunch, Moon Pies, Cannolies, soups, and cakes are also available. Plus, many of these options are gluten free and vegan, so you don’t feel like (or look) crap after you eat them. They also cater and deliver. Charlotte’s is owned by a nice, loving, local family, it has quality, fresh, healthy, delicious food, and going there is a wonderful experience. I am so thankful that this place is here for us to enjoy. I love leaving there knowing that not only is my health benefiting from my choice to eat there, but so is the town I live in. This is a beautiful example of sustainable food. Thank you Rocha family. I love you! Currently located at: 1292 N. Wishon Fresno, CA, 93728 Soon (by Aug/Sept) moving to: 609 Olive Open mon-sat 10-4pm

What's the Big Deal With Yoga?

Recently, my cousin said to me, describing a woman he had met, "She was one of those yoga-crazed people." Of course I had to laugh. He is right, Yogis (students of Yoga) can be a little obsessive, even in love with their Yoga. I certainly am not excluded from that group. I remember my first Yoga class, it was at a small gym in Fresno, and although it was very challenging, it was love at first forward fold. To this day, almost 12 years later, Yoga and I are still honeymooners. Though, only 3 years a go did I incorporate Yoga a part of my daily life. I have seen myself overcome many physical, emotional, and mental challenges since applying Yoga daily. For example, I used to suffer from panic attacks, I used to be anxious, daily headaches, have trouble focusing, trouble getting to sleep, and tingly legs while lying in bed Now, every single one of these problems are of the past. Yoga is an ancient practice, carried over from the East. There are many different types of Yoga, each has a different main focus and a different outcome. Some classes are gentle and slow, others are sweaty and intense. Of course your teachers personality, training and style will influence your class, making each Yoga experience unique and interesting. Here are just a few benefits that come from doing Yoga:

Yoga gives you tools to reduce stress
lowers your blood pressure
helps you to to sleep quicker, and sleep deeper
greatly reduces back pain
creates flexibility
builds strength sooths the Central Nervous System
shifts blood flow, sending nutrients to internal organs,resulting in healthier skin, and brain
gives you the tools to remain calm in challenging situations
helps you to digest your food
detoxifies the body
Plus many more
Yoga brings you closer to your spirituality, closer to yourself, and teaches a love and connection to all living beings.
 If you are thinking about trying Yoga for the first time, go to: www.coilyoga.com

We offer Yoga Basics classes and Yoga for Beginners.
The way I see it, everyone deserves to feel good in their body. The body is a temple, a vessel to carry us through this adventure of life. If we take the time and the effort to care for it properly, it will take care of us back. Plus, it is a good day to try something new. It is a good day to do show yourself some love.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Phyllo Wraps

Yesterday, I was at the grocery, pondering what to make for dinner. Strolling through the freezer section, my eye caught a box of Spinach and Ricotta stuffed Phyllo wraps.

The picture looked very appetizing, and I was enticed. Then I saw the price, $8 for 6 wraps..."Hmmm, is that the best way to spend my money?" I thought. When I turned the box over, to ponder my choice a bit more, the list of ingredients were long and ugly.

When you are in a moment like this one, make things simple. When it comes to reading ingredients, follow this a rule of thumb; short list is best and you should be able to recognize EACH item as a food.

Corn Syrup Solids, Sulfates, Sodium Benzoate, and Propionic Acid are definitely words to stay away from. These are chemicals and preservatives that are harmful to your health. I put the box back where I found it, and walked myself over to the produce area. I bought an organic Spinach bunch, some Phyllo dough, and some Ricotta cheese. I still spent about $8, but got enough for dozens of wraps. But more importantly, peace of mind, knowing each ingredient that was going into my dinner was benefiting my health.

As it turns out, the wraps were fun and easy to make, and they were AMAZING!

Try it out for yourself at home.

You will need:

1 bunch of organic Spinach, steamed quickly, then cooled

1 small container of Ricotta cheese

1 roll of Phyllo Dough

1 Cage Free Egg

Pure, organic Butter, melted

Sea Salt and fresh ground pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

Set up a cookie sheet with a foil covering

In a large bowl, mix equal parts Spinach and Ricotta, stir in Egg,

Sea Salt and fresh ground Pepper

Unroll your Phyllo Dough, have your bowl of melted butter ready

Quickly cover your Dough with a damp cloth

As you are ready, carefully peel off a stack of 5 or so strips of dough at a time.

(Luckily I had my friend Veronica's help for this part, you want to move quickly, otherwise the dough will dry out and break to the point of unusable,so invite a friend over for dinner)

Dip your fingers in the melted butter, and spread it up and down the dough strip

Place a spoonful of the cheese at one corner of the dough strip

Then, fold it in the same manner you properly fold a flag

Wrap up your triangle, and seal it with more melted butter

Place each wrap on the cookie sheet, don't let them touch

Slide your sheet in the oven and let cook until golden brown

Let them cool, and enjoy!

We had ours with Wild Rice and Capressi Salad, delicious!

Nasal Cleansing for Better Health: Neti Pot

Breathing is the most important physical part of Yoga, even when you are not practicing Yoga, the breath is important since it is what keeps us alive!

Although, breathing can be more challenging than one may think. Whether the area you live in is dry and dusty, or urban and congested, breathing can be stifled by what is in our air. Many people suffer from Allergy symptoms, as well as Asthma and Bronchitis. Rather than taking expensive pills that may do you more harm than good, you can use a Neti Pot. However, even those who are perfectly healthy, could use a good nasal cleaning. When our breath flows easily we have less head aches, fewer colds, and we are better able to feel calm and relaxed.

The Neti Pot is a small, ceramic, long-nosed pot. It costs about $13.
You can find it at Yoga Studios, Drug Stores, I even saw them at Bed Bath and Beyond.

They are named from the Sanskrit word, Jala Neti which means- "water cleansing."

Above is a video of me using the Neti Pot and an image of the Neti Pot salt that we use in our house.

Be sure to spend extra time blowing your nose afterwards, and drying the nostrils with a towel or tissue.

The Neti pot is safe to use everyday. Simply fill your pot with LUKE WARM WATER and one spoon full of your Neti Salt (the spoon comes in the jar).
Start with a 5-second-count, then work your way up to a full pot on each nostril.

The benefits of using your Neti Pot are more than greater ease in breathing (as if that was not enough). Using your Neti Pot removes dirt, reducing sinus infections, moistens the nasal cavity, and mproves your eye sight, sense of smell, and hearing. Plus it makes increased breathing in a Yoga class much easier.

Spicy Summer-Garden Pasta Primavera

Summer is here and the garden is bursting! Squash, Eggplant and Basil were hand picked for this meal, although, even my Early Girl Tomatoes are not quite ready here in June. I got mine at Whole Foods, where I can find them Organic, maybe you have an organic Farmer's Market in your area.
Here is an easy way to use those veggies for tonight's dinner.

Spicy Summer-Garden Pasta Primavera

3-4 Squash of your choice sliced
2 Eggplants sliced
2 ripe Organic Tomatoes, chopped
1 Red Onion, chopped
1 Clove of Garlic, diced
1 splash of red wine
1/2 cup spicy roasted red peppers
(get them fresh at the Olive Bar in Whole Foods)
Small handful of Chili Pepper Flakes (for garnish)
1/4 cup water
Coat a large skillet with a quality Olive Oil, I use a local brand, which I will always encourage.
Add first the Onion, then the garlic, then the Squash, then Eggplant then the remaining ingredients. Watch your skillet and add each part after a few moments. You will be stirring occasionally. Once everything is added, cover over low heat for about 4 minuets. Then uncover and stir. You may add more wine/water if the sauce is too thick. If it is too thin, add some corn flour.
For the pasta I used a Spinach and Chive Linguine, but your favorite will work just fine.
Arrange on plate, top with Parmigiana(real, not the one in the green can,or any that have a bunch of ingredients known as preservatives. Get the mis-shappen block from the fine cheese area) and the Chili Pepper Flakes and MANGI!

Blog to Website to Facebook

The Internet helps us to connect, yoga helps us to connect, community helps us to connect.
Let's yolk the three here with me, Sarah Badorine as your willing guide. Many of my friends and students ask me about what I surround my life around; Yoga and living a healthy life. As a teacher it is important for me to guide my students in a natural, organic and positive way. That theme will continue here, all of your questions will be answered via these three strands: Facebook, my website and this blog.

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Thank you and Namaste'