Morning meditation - stretch

Summer finally arrived!!! 

These days I woke up early in the morning because it's just so hot outside: ~ 25°C/ 77°

It's not as hot as in the U.S. but summer came too sudden.

What to do best when you get up really early?

Ride your bike to the lake, do some meditation and yoga! I was there around 6.30a.m. and it was very nice and still chilly. I just love being up this early, why? There is nobody around who'd disturb you!!!

I've started meditation like four to five months ago and I still try to do it every single morning. I don't do it for 30min or so, but 5min every day keeps my mind calm and focused. Sometimes you're just stressed out or have too much in your mind going on, so that you cannot focus anymore. You're always running, ruhsing and try to be on time with anything. Additionally I did some yoga poses, it is so good for me and I think every athlete should incorporate yoga exercises to really stretch out and loosen tight muscles!

Then, I'd like to just slow down and breathe. Being still and mindful helps me to live in the present, not to think too much about the past and not to plan so much for the future.  

Anyone can meditate, you don't have to become a monch. Just breathe and try to calm your mind. When a thought comes up, just catch it and follow how it flows away. 

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.”- Thich Nhat Hanh

Additionally I did some yoga poses, it is so good for me and I think every athlete should incorporate yoga exercises to really stretch out and loosen tight muscles!

Let's embrace this very moment and say:

WELCOME BACK SUN :) we've missed you!

P.S.: Do you want to know what 20min. of yoga does to your brain? Read on here.

Superfood: Chia-Seeds

Living in the U.S., having a lot of time for myself, I've spent most of it doing sports and reading about nutrition. Surfing on the internet and reading many blogs, I came along chia- seeds. 
I've already added flax seeds to my meals, but chia seeds? I thought that they are pretty expensive. They actually are not. I was completely surprised when I've found them here in GER, yes, at my organic health store :)

Now I'm trying them out, but I'm not sure how much I should take in to fully get the benefits. 
It's supposed to help you with digestion, boost your energy and it has the Omega 3+6 fatty acids which would aid in cognitive and learning performance. 

I've made pudding out of it (just stir it up in water and let it sit for at least one hour) and try to add it into oatmeal, juices and salads. Just found out that it might be a food trend, but I like the neutral flavor and the consistency because hey: it expands and after an hour you have pudding?! 

Read on:
10 Health Benefits from Healthyeating.sfgate.com

Ancient Super Seed from Dr. Oz 

I'm curious if I'll notice something soon, will keep you updated ;-)

Dark, rich and healthy...

Guess what? My semester is almost over and I'm in the middle of my final exams. Whenever I study, I just have to snack and munch on things. Instead of eating your way to a bigger YOU, just reach for dark chocolate, fruits, raw vegetables, yogurt and almonds. I've figured that it's much easier to stick to healthier choices in the summer whereas in the winter you're more tempted to reach for comfort- foods.

Yes! Dark chocolate can be actually healthy for you because of their high dose of natural caffeine and antioxidants which make it so bitter. I certainly do believe in it, but portion control is key I'd say. Anyways, during stressful times like 'studying for final exams' I allow myself up to 50g =D! 

At the moment my favorites are the 85% dark chocolate ones from GEPA (Fairtrade- Company) and Vivani. Having some dark chocolate should be one's pleasure, so enjoy every bite of it ;-)

There are some interesting facts about eating dark chocolate from The Huffington Post and Science Daily.

'All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.'

Dr. Hauschka cosmetics ♥

Yep! Working at an organic food and health store has its pros =) 
Last week I had my last days there and couldn't resist but splurge on some (a bit expensive when you're a student) natural cosmetics! One day I've attended a Dr. Hauschka workshop due to work and got the 'Quince Day Cream', the 'Toned day Cream' and the 'Lipbalm'. After that workshop I just fell in love with the company and their products! 

Dr. Hauschka does not use any chemicals or conventional ingredients, moreover they try not to use alcohol and create creams which don't irritate your skin, they rather strengthen and revitalise it. They also offer visits in which you can look into their garden and participate in a cosmetic presentation.

I haven't used the Cream and Lipbalm yet because I don't like lipbalms, they just dry out your lips even more. Maybe I'll try it in the winter months. The Toned day Cream is just perfect when you don't feel like wearing make- up but still want to have some colour in your face =)

Additionally I've bought the 'Volume Mascara' and the 'Lemon, Lemongrass Body Oil' which I'll use in the summer instead of my coconut oil. The Lemongrass scent will freshen you up and get you ready for the day ;-)

Oh, and did you notice the golden design of their products? :)

Coco, coco, coconut oil!

Several months ago, working at an organic food/health store, my co- worker told me to try out coconut oil since the ends of my hair were really dry. I've tried it, did some research on it and now I'm using it for everything: as a body lotion, face moisturizer, make- up removal and I cook with it as well!

My skin just feels so much better without chemistry and I feel better as well =)

Coconut oil is my go- to- everything now and I just ♥ it! 

It's also a great gift for my girls and they are totally enthusiastic about it.

Of course I did recommend it to some customers and now I look at empty shelves, no coconut oils anymore? =D No worries, I've got some in stock =)

More information about coconut oil and how you can use it: