When To Buy Organic

One of my favorite online resources for Vegan and Gluten Free Recipes is One Green Planet. Not to mention their great articles on conservation, animal rights and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle.

This one article caught my attention, The Dirty Dozen: 12 Foods You Should Always Buy Organic.  When it comes to veggies and fruits, I always recommend buying organic, but these 12 "dirty" fruits and veggies blew me away with the amount of pesticides they have been known to contain.

Here's the top 12 list from One Green Planet.  What are you surprised by?

1. Apples

The old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” now includes an important caveat. With more than 40 different pesticides detected, apples are consistently rated among the dirtiest produce items. With 7 known carcinogens, 19 suspected hormone disruptors, 10 neurotoxins, and 6 developmental or reproductive toxins, non-organic apples are a petri dish for negative health effects in humans. Insect threats and fungus push farmers to spray several kinds of chemicals over their orchards. This means that you should also try to purchase organic apple juice and applesauce, as traces of pesticides have been found in them as well!

2. Celery

USDA testing has discovered more than 60 different pesticides on celery. A whopping 13 of these pesticides are known cancer causing carcinogens. If you can’t find organic celery, try using onions or broccoli for a lower-pesticide alternative.

3. Strawberries

Nearly 60 kinds of pesticides have been found on strawberries! Given their delicate flesh and lack of a protective skin, many of the pesticides sprayed on strawberries can be found in the final product. The majority of these pesticides are suspected hormone disruptors. If organic strawberries are unavailable or too expensive, pineapple and kiwi are two of the lowest pesticide fruits.

4. Peaches

More than 60 kinds of pesticides have been found on peaches. It seems due to this tree fruits fuzzy skin and vulnerability to insects and mold, the majority of these pesticides are disappointingly retained. Can’t find organic peaches? Shopping at farmers markets is a great idea. While organics aren’t always guaranteed – we can alternatively discuss the use of pesticides with the farmers themselves, to help make a more informed buying decision.

5. Spinach

With 48 types of pesticides, Spinach is the leading contender in the leafy greens category. Two of the most commonly used types of pesticides found in spinach are permethrin and dimethoate, which are both potential human carcinogens. With over exposure to these pesticides, we have increased chances in developing many types of disorders including those of the brain, and nervous system. Alternatively, canned spinach has been proven to carry less pesticide residues when organics are not an option.

6. Nectarines

Yet another tree fruit found with high levels of pesticide residue, USDA data has found 33 different pesticides on nectarines, and 7 of these are known carcinogens. If organic nectarines aren’t available, Pineapples, papaya, or mangos make for great alternatives.

7. Grapes

Over 30 pesticides have been found on grapes. A large portion of these pesticides are neurotoxins and potential hormone disruptors. Imported grapes have shown to carry even higher levels of pesticide residues. When organic grapes are not an option, domestically grown grapes are a smarter purchase.

8. Sweet Bell Peppers

Nearly 50 kinds of pesticides have been detected on sweet bell peppers – and yes all colors included! This cooking favourite veggie retains 11 known or probable carcinogens, 26 suspected hormone disruptors, 13 neurotoxins, and even carries a high level of bee toxins. With numbers like these, its Organic pepper or no pepper!

9. White Potatoes

America’s favourite vegetable, the potato! While potatoes are a vegetable of the ground, and generally perceived as safer, the USDA data reveals 37 pesticide residues detected on the potato. Sweet potatoes are on the “Clean 15” list, and make a great alternative!

10. Blueberries

Coming in at #10 on our list, with just over 50 types of pesticides detected is the blueberry. Surprisingly, frozen blueberries have proved to be slightly less contaminated, however, obvious alternatives like cranberries and raspberries are still high in pesticides, even though they didn’t make the dirty dozen list. Feeling the blueberry blues? When organics are not an option, consider using bananas to top up your morning cereal.

11. Lettuce

With more than 50 pesticide residues found, lettuce joins Spinach in the leafy greens category. The next time you’re making a salad and the organic lettuce cannot be found, cabbage is an excellent alternative. Very few sprays are required on cabbage, and luckily it doesn’t retain much of them. It does however retain beta carotene, an antioxidant known for its possible cancer fighting attributes!

12. Kale/Collard Greens

A true superfood, Kale is known for its many health benefits, including several cancer fighting antioxidants. Unfortunately we do more harm than good by consuming non organic Kale. USDA testing shows 55 types of pesticides found on kale for the past 2 years consecutively. Safer alternatives to kale include cabbage, broccoli or dandelion greens.

Additional Tips

• When organic versions of the items on this list are unavailable or too expensive, favor fruits or vegetables with thick skins or peels (e.g. bananas, avocados, grapefruits and watermelon).
• As a general rule, tree fruits, berries, and leafy greens have the highest pesticide levels and should be prioritized for organic purchases.

Cleansing Kitchari Recipe

 

 

I'm halfway through an amazing yoga teacher training that has truly inspired and changed my life.  I began this journey as a way to help rehab my back (I had back surgery last summer) and thought this intense 9-week training would help get me back on track (no pun intended).  Not only has it gotten my body moving in ways it hasn't since my days of dancing, but I'm also enjoying the incredible emotional and spiritual benefits of a daily yoga practice. One element of yoga that has me completely fascinated is Ayurveda.  Ayu-what?  Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga and translates to "Knowledge of Life."  It dates back 5,000 years and is described by Yoga Journal as, "a system of healing that examines physical constitution, emotional nature, and spiritual outlook in the context of the universe. According to the philosophy, universal life force manifests as three different energies, or doshas, known as vata, pitta, and kapha."  To read more about a general overview of Ayurveda, feel free to check out Yoga Journal's, Intro to Ayurveda. 

So what's Kitchari and what does it have to do with Ayurveda and, more importantly, you?  Kitchari is a traditional Ayurvedic dish that's known to assist in detoxing the body and balancing all three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. Kitchari provides awesome nutrients while cleansing the toxins out of the body. It's a great way to cleanse the body and soul in a gentle way.  Kitchari is made with mung beans, basmati rice, seasonal vegetables, ghee, and spices. The mung beans are known for their ability to remove toxins, specifically pesticides and insecticides, from the body. Mung beans are also a great source of protein and provide a source of good carbohydrates and fiber.  It's also a great dish for those having digestive problems and recovering from illness.  There's many versions of Kitchari out there from simple to more elaborate.  I chose the following recipe that I discovered from The Way of the Happy Woman.  I substituted coconut oil in place of Ghee. 

If you're considering a yoga teacher training, check out
Carolina Power Yoga's Teacher Training

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of mung beans, dry
• 10 cups water
• 6-7 cups assorted vegetables (I opted for celery, carrots, zucchini and potato)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (I substituted coconut oil.  A little bit goes a long way!)
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root, minced
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 tablespoon Himalayan pink sea salt

 

Puttin' it Together

• Prep Ahead: Wash the mung beans and soak them in water overnight or 4-8 hours (this aids with digestion)
• In a large stockpot, saute the vegetables in the ghee or coconut oil on medium heat until onions are translucent.
• Add the rest of the ingredients, except the salt*, bring to a boil. Lower heat, and cook for another 45 to 60 minutes.
• Stir in the salt at the very end.

* Some people say that adding the salt when the beans are still uncooked makes them harder to digest. They recommend adding the salt after the beans have been cooked.

Start With Why

“Those who know their Why are
the ones who lead.
They are the ones who inspire.”
– Simon Sinek

I’m reading a great book by Simon Sinek entitled , “Start With Why.”  Why is such a curious and almost foreign concept when it comes to inspiration and even self-motivation.  As Americans we’ve been bred to start with What and How.  Interestingly enough, if we focus on our Why first, everything else will fall into place.   I’m uncovering the importance of this concept on a day-to-day basis; from relationships to career decisions even to my beliefs and values.  I truly believe we grow (in all facets of our life) when we begin to understand “WHY we do, not what we do.”  So simple, it’s complicated, huh?

On Simon Sinek’s website  he delves into the processes of discovering your Why.  He states:

• Clarify your Why
• Articulate your Hows
• Learn the importance of being consistent in What you do

The Why Discovery process is about considering the past and examining those times when everything seemed to go perfectly. The WHY does not come from looking ahead at what you want to achieve, it is not borne out of any market research and it doesn’t come from extensive interviews with customers or employees.

You will discover your Why when you look in the complete opposite direction from where you are now. The WHY comes from looking back at all those times when you loved working on a project or loved a job. By examining those times when everything just “felt right” and you loved the experience – when you were living your Why – you will uncover the keys to discovering and articulating your personal WHY.

The 5 Simple Things You Must do to Stay Healthy and Vibrant

Simple Step #1 Stop Dieting and Depriving Yourself

The diet industry is one of the largest and most lucrative industries in the world.  Diets, by their nature are doomed to fail because when we “go on” a diet, we also plan to “come off” that diet one day.  We assume that once we reach our ideal weight, we’ll be able to go back to how we were eating before, which didn’t work in the first place!  Diets are nothing more than a quick fix solution to a long-term challenge.  So the key is to look at eating, health and wellness as a lifestyle, not a short term fix.  Promise yourself that you won’t “diet” again.  Look for programs that are focused on health as a lifestyle and educate you on how to easily incorporate wellness into your daily life. 

 

Simple Step #2: Never Skip Meals

When you forget to eat breakfast or you skip a meal because you’re too busy, your body goes into starvation mode.  Your metabolism slows, your blood sugar plummets, and that sets off a cascade of hormones in your body that causes you to store fat.  One of the most important keys to sustainable weight lost, health and energy is keeping your blood sugar stable.  Skip the “high glycemic” foods that cause your blood sugar to spike like white bread, sugar, fruit juices and processed carbohydrates. Instead, choose lots of lean protein, healthy fats, low glycemic veggies, fruits and whole grains.  This will keep your metabolism humming and tame those unhealthy cravings for sweets and salt.

Simple Step #3: Stop Removing Whole Food Groups from Your Life

One of the keys to vibrant health and ideal weight is supplying your body with the proper (and complete) nutrition it needs for your cells to perform and regenerate correctly.  Your cells need nutrients from all of our major food groups; low glycemic carbs, clean protein and essential fatty acids.  If you remove any of these macronutrients from your diet, your cells can’t do their job.  It’s a sad fact today that you can be overfed and malnourished at the same time. 

 

Simple Step #4: Fall in Love with Exercise (REALLY!)

We all know that exercise is important to our health.  It helps us manage stress, keeps us feeling and looking younger, improves our ability to recover from illness, even releases “happy” hormones.”  The problem is that exercise can feel like work!  That simply means you haven’t found the right exercise yet.  Find something you love doing.  For me, I love yoga, hiking, Pilates and snowshoeing. Even a brisk walk outside for 30 minutes after dinner can positively affect your overall health and wellbeing.  In addition, mix it up!  A fit woman’s body thrives on 3 days of cardio, 2 days of weight training, 1 day of mind-body movement and 1 day off.  A good rule of thumb is 3-2-1-1.

Simple Step #5: Take a Really High Quality Multi-Vitamin and Fish Oil Supplement

I teach all of my clients the triad of health: proper supplementation, low glycemic eating and exercise.  Taking a high quality supplement is the single easiest thing a busy woman can do for her health.  A high quality multi-vitamin feeds your cells the micronutrients they need (vitamins, minerals and antioxidants) to keep you heart pumping, renew your skin, build muscles and maintain a healthy digestive system. A pure fish oil supplement feeds your brain, your hair and your skin; it also makes it easier for your cells to take in the vitamins and minerals they need and release the toxins they don’t need.  When buying supplements my advice is to do your research and take the best supplements you can find (hint: don’t buy your vitamins at the same place where you can buy tires!).

If you want to make a huge shift in your overall health and wellbeing, join the Urban Girl Wellness Nutrition Program today!  Learn more HERE

Goji Berry Superfood Bites (Vegan and Gluten-Free)

I was on the prowl for a snack that was low-glycemic, jam packed with nutritious ingredients, relatively easy to make and contained one of my most favorite superfoods; Goji berries (I discussed the benefits of these amazing red gems in an earlier post). Low and behold I came across this fantastic recipe by Sarah Betts.  It's super tasty AND can last up to 4-months if frozen.  

Food writer Sarah Betts  focuses on the impact of nutritous sustainable foods on the health and well-being of you and your world.  She serves up everything from delicious wholesome recipes to in-depth analysis of our intricate food system.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 1 cup dates, pits removed
• 1/3 cup hazelnut milk (or other nut milk)
• 1 large banana
• 2 tbsp chia seeds, ground
• 3 Tbsp maca powder
• 1 ½ cups gluten-free rolled oats
• ½ cup coconut flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup cacao nibs
• ½ cup goji berries
• ½ cup raw almonds, chopped

Puttin' it Together

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Generously grease a 8 x 8 inch baking dish and set aside
• Melt the coconut oil in a small pan over low heat. When melted, pour into a blender with the dates, nut milk, banana, chia and maca powder and blend until smooth
• In a separate bowl combine the oats, coconut flour and baking powder
• Pour the date puree over the oat mixture and stir well to combine
• Add the cacao nibs, goji berries and chopped almonds and stir to incorporate
• Scrape the mixture into the greased baking dish and distribute evenly, smoothing so it lays in an even thickness throughout the dish
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden-brown in color
• Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into bars or squares. Let cool completely before wrapping
• Store in an airtight container or wrapped individually for up to 2 weeks. Can be frozen and stored for up to 4 months
• Yeild: 12-16 bars

5 Tips for Successful Goal Setting

As a Holistic Health Coach, many people think my job stops at food and nutrition.  However, a big part of what I focus on is coaching.  Your wellness needs and what really "juices" you is, if not more, important than what you put in your body.  If you're not satisfied as a human being, it will reflect in what you consume.   Since we're a little over the half way mark in the year, I encourage you to reflect inwardly and set goals for the remainder of the year.  It will nourish you in more ways than food ever could.

 

 

1) Discover Your Passion!

One book that inspired me to dream big and realize all my dreams can and WILL be a reality is, “The Passion Test” by Chris and Janet Attwood.  This book has “inspired thousands to shape their lives by discovering their passions and live according to what matters most to them. Readers can identify their top five passions by taking the Test, and then learn exactly how to align their lives with their priorities by following the Attwoods’ easy-to-follow step-by-step program of action. “  A MUST read.

2) “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.” ~ Anonymous

This is one of my favorite quotes that I wholeheartedly believe in and live by.  If we stick to comfort and status quo, that’s exactly what we’ll get.   Some of the greatest adventures in life happen when we step outside our comfort zone.  When setting goals, dream big!   The bigger the dreams, the greater the results.

3) Focus on the 5 MOST important Goals

Pick the top 5 goals that are MOST important to you to accomplish this week.  I recently discovered a great (free!) online resource  that focuses on the concept,  If I could only get 5 things done, what would they be?  It’s such a great way to take a step back from our busy lives and focus on what REALLY needs to be accomplished. The website is teamly.com.  It’s great for the workplace and for teams, but I use it for my own personal daily goal setting (religiously), which seamlessly contributes to my overall goals.

4)  Express Your Goals In the Present Tense

If you say and/or write your goals in the present tense, it will train your mind to believe it’s true.   Take your 5 MOST important goals and repeat them, to yourself, in the present tense.  You’ll be amazed how your mind will be ever so slightly  “tricked”  into believing this new reality.  

5) Evolve

Goals should be organic and evolving.  Why?  Because you’re organic and evolving!  Plant the seed and don’t be afraid to sit back and watch it grow; even if it’s in a different direction from where you first began.   I recommend revisiting goals on a quarterly basis.  The  Brownline 3-month calendar is an inexpensive wall calendar you can purchase on Amazon.com that allows you to see up to three months at a time.  It’s a great way to set short term goals that will contribute to your larger goals.  Put the calendar someplace visible (mine is in my office) where you will see it everyday.

To successful goal setting and a prosperous rest of the year!

 Strawberry Cabernet Supergreens Salad

With summer in full swing, I’ve been craving a sweet berry salad.  I looked around online and went to one of my favorite websites; Door to Door Organics.  They had a great salad recipe with two of my favorite things-Cabernet and spinach!  Well, it’s not completely made with Cabernet, but Cabernet vinegar.  I changed some of the ingredients to fit my low glycemic and natural sweetener lifestyle.  

Check out my adaption:

Ingredients:

• 10 ounces of loose leaf spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• ¼ cups almonds
• 1 organic lemon
• 4 ounces crumbled Feta Cheese
• 1 tbs Agave Nectar
• ¼ cups Cabernet vinegar (oh yeah, baby!)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cups extra virgin olive oil
• Black pepper, to taste

Puttin’ it Together

• Place greens in a large bowl and add strawberries, feta cheese and almonds.
• In a blender, combine vinegar, lemon juice, agave nectar, salt, and pepper.  Blend on high while slowly adding the olive oil.
• Drizzle dressing over salad and toss.
• Want protein?  Add some grilled chicken or shrimp

Enjoy!!

My Favorite Morning Health Tip
By Paula Burton

Want a simple and easy way to jump start your morning?  Upon waking, begin the day with a hot (not boiling) cup of water with a squeeze of fresh lemon.  Check out all the amazing benefits of this simple, yet effective, morning routine:

1. Boosts you're immune system

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain & nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH

Lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, believe it or not. Yes, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they're alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). As you wellness warriors know, an alkaline body is really the key to good health.

3. Helps with weight loss

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. And, my experience is that when I start the day off right, it's easier to make the best choices for myself the rest of the day.

4. Aids digestion

The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis—the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen ama, or toxins, in the digestive tract.

5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic

Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin

The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.

7. Hydrates the lymph system

This cup of goodness helps start the day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration (obviously) and adrenal fatigue. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals happen to be two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the bottom line is that you really don't want to mess with a deep state of dehydration!

Adopting just this one practice of drinking a cup of warm water with lemon in the morning for a month can radically alter your experience of the day. Don't be surprised if you begin to view mornings in a new light.

(Via MindBodyGreen)

My 10 Favorite Superfoods

Paula Burton, Holistic Health Counselor

I'm thrilled to be posting wellness advice, health tips and recipes for Carolina Power Yoga. As a guest blogger, you'll be receiving tons of information from me, and if there's anything you want to learn more about, please don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion with you.   To learn more about me, visit my website at www.urbangirlwellness.com

Light and love,

Paula

There are so many wonderful benefits to Superfoods; they're readily available at your local health food store, they possess amazing nutrients and they can be easily integrated into your daily diet. Read more about my 10 Favorite Superfoods.

10 Superfoods that are readily available and easy to integrate into your diet

One website to bookmark is One Green Planet. They have great articles and fabulous recipes! It’s one of my favorite websites that I visit regularly. I’ve been featuring Superfoods in previous posts and I thought it would be good to focus on superfoods that are readily available at your natural grocers, even your local grocery store. I got this list from One Green Planet and I’m featuring 10 of the many Superfoods out there. Visit their website for their complete list on the “Ultimate Superfood Guide.”

What are Superfoods? Superfoods are the most vibrant and nutritionally dense foods on the planet, which have been found to contain profound healing and dietary effects. They have often been used for thousands of years by indigenous people to heal the mind and body, and can be thought of as nature’s medicine. In today’s toxic world, it is essential to include them in your diet for optimal performance, rejuvenation and vitality, so please utilize this accessible guide to determine which foods are right for you.

1) Açaí: Açaí is a small dark purple berry that grows on the açaí palm in the Amazon forest of Brazil. The nutrients come from the pulp and skin of the fruit and tastes like a mix of berries and chocolate. The berry is high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids making it great for supporting the immune system, healthy skin and preventing aging.

2) Agave Nectar: Agave is a natural sweetener produced from the agave cactus native to Mexico. It is produced at low temperatures to protect its natural enzymes. Agave is low on the glycemic index making it a great sweetener for those with blood sugar issues. * Note: you must be careful when purchasing agave because many of the brands on the market are highly refined and highly heated, making it no better than regular fructose sugar.

3) Apple Cider Vinegar (unpasteurized): Natural (undistilled) organic, raw ACV can really be called one of Mother Nature’s most perfect foods. It is made from fresh, crushed apples which are then allowed to mature naturally in wooden barrels, as wood seems to “boost” the natural fermentation. Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural cleansing and healing elixir due to its high probiotic content and its acidity. Its acidic nature helps promote hydrochloric acid production in the stomach therefore greatly improving any digestive ailments. Furthermore, by improving digestion, it promotes healthy skin, inflammatory levels and metabolic function. I love to use Apple Cider Vinegar in Chicken Adobo.

4) Cacao: Cacao is the purest raw form of chocolate known as the “food of the Gods.” This powerhouse of a bean is one of the highest natural sources of magnesium and antioxidants while being rich in manganese, iron and chromium (great for blood sugar control). Containing Theobromine, cacao enhances mood and brain function. It is ideal for muscle contraction, cardiovascular health, PMS symptoms and energy. Cacao also contains PEA a “love” chemical as well as anandamide- a neurotransmitter of bliss.

5) Sea Salt, Unheated and Unrefined: Salt is essential for life and was once the most valued commodity on earth. Unheated sea salt is entirely different than table salt in that it essential to health because it contains essential minerals. Common table salt lacks minerals and trace elements because it is purified and refined, leaving only sodium and chloride. After refining, common table salt is mixed with iodine, bleaching agents and anti-caking chemicals to create a stark white, free flowing product. Unheated sea salt is needed for every function in the body including hydration, kidney, lymph and cardiovascular health, fluid balance, and hydrochloric acid production needed for digestion.

6) Coconut Butter/Oil: The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means, “monkey face” because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in healthy fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a “functional food” because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut contains anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties making it excellent for immune system stimulation and for topical treatment. It also has the ability to stimulate the thyroid therefore increasing metabolism and aiding in weight loss.

7) Goldenberry (Incan berries): Grown in the mineral-rich soils across the Peruvian Andes, sweet and tangy Goldenberries (also known as Incan Berries) help to strengthen your body in times of stress and improve circulation. Packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, niacin and phosphorous, Incan Golden Berries also contain pectin, which helps to regulate the flow of food through the digestive tract as well a lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels.

8) Maca: Maca is native to the high Andes of Peru and is a powerful adaptogen that works with the body to stabilize hormones and increase libido, energy, increasing oxygen uptake and endurance. Maca root also posses natural means of improving sexual performance and has been referred to as “Nature’s Viagra.” Excellent for correcting hormonal imbalances (PMS and Menopause).

9) Spirulina: A cyanobacteria once coveted by the Aztec, spirulina is now considered once of the most nutritious food sources known to man. Once called “the best food for the future” by the United Nations World Food Conference, this blue-green algae is a complete protein rich in B vitamins and has been reported to help correct anemia, reduce radioactive damage and lower cholesterol.

10) Yerba Maté: Yerba Maté is made from the naturally caffeinated leaves of the South American holly tree. It is both nutritious and stimulating, possessing the same health chemicals found in chocolate and coffee. Unlike coffee, yerba is not acid forming and does not cause anxiety or a “crash.” Along with boosting energy, yerba increases mental clarity, focus through its rich content of potassium, magnesium, amino acids and antioxidants.

Yoga Teacher Training 200 Hour Intensive

At Carolina Power Yoga’s Teacher Training you’ll receive expert instruction, encouraging support, and motivational inspiration. You’ll be challenged, grow, transform, and upon graduation be empowered with a solid foundation of knowledge, skills and confidence to enthusiastically teach yoga safely and mindfully.

Foster your love of yoga to become a professional and passionate yoga instructor, or perhaps you simply want to deepen your practice, and gain a strong yoga education.



Whatever your intent, immerse yourself in this Once in a Lifetime Experience.

 Our comprehensive Yoga Teacher Training, exceeds the 200 hour requirements by Yoga Alliance. Upon successful completion of our program you will be a Certified Yoga Instructor, and eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a RYT . At the end of the training, you will be qualified to teach Power Vinyasa Yoga, as well as variations of vinyasa and interdisciplinary Yoga classes, including Gentle Vinyasa and Yoga Fusion.



The empowering style we teach, Power Vinyasa Yoga, is a dynamic, creative, inspiring, and intelligent Feel Good Flow with strong alignment and mindfulness. You’ll learn the skills and tools to most effectively teach students of various levels and abilities.  You’ll be encouraged to embrace your authentic self, and strive toward your full potential through asana, pranayama, meditation, and Carolina PowerYoga’s YTT protocol.

Yoga Teacher Training 200 hour Immersion at the Beach
January 14-February 8,  2013  

Curriculum

• History, Philosophy and Evolution of Yoga
• Intensive Study and Practice of Asanas: Sanskrit and English Names
• Yoga Styles 
• Power Vinyasa Yoga Intensive
• Teaching Methodolgy
• Pranayama
• Meditation
• Anatomy and Physiology: Human and Energy, Pathology and Injuries
• Yoga Lifestyle
• Subtle Energy
• The Ethics and Business of Teaching Yoga
• Communication/Cueing, Class Sequencing and Planning
• Practice Teaching, Observing and Feedback
  

   

Typical Daily Schedule

Monday through Friday 9am-7pm
9:00am-1pm Vinyasa Class, Instruction and Lectures
Lunch2:00pm Yoga Teacher Training Presentations
3:00pm Asana, Pranayama and Meditation Instruction
6:00pm Beach Vinyasa Class
(180 Contact Hours 20 Non-Contact Hours)

 

Investment Tuition $2200.  includes
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Certified Yoga Teacher Certificate *Yoga Alliance RYT
Instruction, presentations and classes at studio, park and beach!
Unlimited Class Month Pass
Beach Totebag with
YTT 200 Hour Manual
CPY T-shirt and towel

Early Bird Discount $100 off for full payment      

More Information    

Accommodations for Yoga Teacher Training

Luxurious 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Condo within walking distance to Beach and Carolina Power Yoga Studio. 

Accommodations for Yoga Teacher Training

Corner Penthouse Luxury 2+ Bedroom in Ocean Keyes, a few blocks to Beach and Carolina Power Yoga Studio!

Location: Ocean Keyes, Ocean Drive Area, North Myrtle Beach,
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 20 Miles from Myrtle Beach International Airport

Accommodations: Condo, 2 Bedrooms + Den, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6)
Welcome to an oasis in the luxury gated condominium community of Ocean Keyes in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Ocean Keyes has 6 outdoor pools, hot tubs, kiddie pools, sun decks and a brand new fitness facility. There are walking paths throughout the community and Ocean Keyes is connected to the city-wide bike path system. This new luxury North Myrtle Beach vacation rental has been professionally decorated, furnished and painted. Relax on the covered porch in this spacious, 3rd floor, 3-bedroom, 2 bath condo with vaulted ceilings overlooking one of the many pools. The unit has 3 plasma TVs and DVD players for your enjoyment.  Ocean Drive and beautiful Atlantic Ocean, your fully furnished condo gives you an opportunity to enjoy at truly memorable experience.

Amenities

• • Washing Machine
  • Parking Off Street
  • Clothes Dryer
  • Air-Conditioning
  • Linens Provided
• Beds
  • Bunk Bed : Bunk bed with lower trundle located in Den/3rd bedroom. Perfect space for kids.
  • Queen
• Entertainment
  • Communal Pool : Choose from one of 6 sparkling pools on the property
  • Shared Hot Tub : Hot tubs located in each of the 6 pool areas
  • Satellite Or Cable : Plasma TVs in the living room two bedrooms.
  • Fitness Club with Cardio and Weights
  • DVD
  • Foosball
  • Pool Table
• Kitchen
  • Full Kitchen : Enjoy a full kitchen with granite countertops, new appliances, and a breakfast bar.
  • Refrigerator
  • Dish Washer
  • Ice Maker
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Microwave
• Outdoor Features
• Balcony : Comfortable seating and the perfect area to enjoy a quiet morning or lazy afternoon.
• Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : The unit overlooks two gas/charcoal grilling areas in the quad below.
• Outdoor Grill Charcoal                           

Living Room

Kitchen towards living room

Living Room

Living Room

Queen in Master Bedroom

Queen in 2nd bedroom

Breakfast Bar in Kitchen

                                

                                  

Balcony view of pool

View from balcony