Healthy Wednesday: The Power of Yoga

By Helena Schätzle, Geo-Magazine, published June 2013.

'Words cannot describe the worth of Yoga, it has to be

experienced.' by B.K.S. Iyengar

 

The other weekend, my boyfriend's best friend, a physiotherapist, came up to me and gave me this 15-page long article about Yoga. He, himself received this from a patient and is totally new to it. It wasn't the typical article about where Yoga has started and what it actually is, but more about what Yoga can. Me, as an advocate of Yoga, immediately started to read it and did not stop until the last sentence was absorbed. The article is by the scientist Hania Luczak and was published in the GEO-magazine June, 2013. 

It is a report about Yoga's Health Benefits, but especially about recent scientific results. A GEO-team visited many researchers from Germany to the United States and even to India to learn more about its healing power. Here are the major findings:

1. Neck Pain, the Charité Berlin found out that patients had less
 pain after ten weeks of a 90-minute yoga lesson per week
 compared to patients who practiced back exerices by their own.

2. Back Pain, the University of Washington (Seattle),
almost 80% of Yoga practitioners were able to quit their
 painkillers by doing yoga once a week for half a year.

3. Stress Level, it definitely reduces your stress level so that you
 become more calm and mindful. Stress, we know it all, 
is the cause for burnout, depression, anxiety, addiction, obesity, 
chronic inflammations and more. 

4. Aerobics vs. Yoga, University of California, 
Yoga is not only as good as physical exercise,
 but might be even better. The researchers suggest: Cardio for
 endurance, but yoga for your mind and well-being.

5. Sleep, Harvard University in Boston, 
after only eight weeks of yoga, people sleep better :)

6. Stress Reduction & High Blood Pressure, Yale University,
 patients were able to reduce their medications by doing yoga.

7. Relaxation, University of Dresden, 
Yoga calms down your heart :)

8. Changes in the Central Nervous System, Boston University
 School of Medicine, the researchers found out that Yogis and
 people who regularly practice yoga produce more gamma-
aminobutyric acid, short GABA, which eases anxiety. 
They also compared this to sport activities.

9. Mental Health and Improvement in Cognitive Performance, 

University of California, L.A., only 12 

minutes of Yoga per day lead to a reduction of depression, 

a highler level of mental health and cognitive performance

 compared to a group which only listened to relaxation music 

in those 12 minutes. Additionally, they've found out that there's

 also a reduction of cell aging. Incredible, right?

10. Breast Cancer, Department of Psychology, 

University of Calif., people who suffered from breast cancer

 and had to deal with the Fatigue-Syndrome,

 (which occurs after a chemotherapy)

and did Yoga for three months, twice a week,

 felt an improvement in their physical and emotional condition.

I have to add that the researchers were mostly examining the Iyengar-Yoga which is based on these three pillars: Breath Control (Pranayama), Physical Exercise (Asana) and Meditation. Those three can be healing, but together they are invincible.

The key factor in those studies were that participants practiced a type of Yoga that includes the practice of breathing and mindfulness. Modern types like Bikram and Power Yoga will not lead to the mentioned benefits. With Yoga, Hania Luczak writes, one will slip into a Health-Provision-System. Often, you will subconsciously turn to a healthier lifestyle, have better relationships and a better working life.

Morning Meditation Post, Summer 2013.

After this well-written and well-explored article, I just had to start my Yoga practice again. I have thought about it a few months back because I was lacking routine, but this totally convinced me to get back deeper into it. Thank you Oliver for this article, I just needed a bit of motivation to go to the local Yoga Center and sign myself up :) The first 90-minute session this Monday was already worth the time and money :) 

Will you give the Power of Yoga a try? ;-)

Love and Namaste ♥

Mindful Monday: Shopping Challenge Month # 3

How am I doing with no shopping? :) Actually pretty well! The picture underneath was taken at the 2nd flea market I went to this year and there, I was able to sell some of my stuff. My closet shrank a bit, but it wasn't that good as the first one. There weren't as much people coming to the flea, but it was okay. I still had fun with my two friends next to me :) especially because they've never been to a flea market to sell their own stuff before. So, it was funny seeing them selling and trading with their clothes :) 

Oh, okay, I have to admit, I did buy something.. but it's from my friends and 1 € each. It is a grey scarf and a shirt/dress, so yeah I don't really count these items ;-) hope that you're okay with it! But I still need to figure out what I am going to do with the leftover stuff I brought back home.. maybe my 3rd flea session this year or should I sell some on the Internet? Do you have any recommendations? :)

What's more important is that I do not have the need to go shopping anymore. It's like: whenever I stroll on fashion blogs or shopping sites, these pictures trigger my need to buy, buy, buy, but if I stay away from those, I don't even care and hey, I feel much better about it :) I think that I am really saving a lot of money and reflect more about what I want to spend it on. 

For example, I saved some money..

1. to buy me a new Camera:

Yes, finally got myself a Canon DSLR EOS and 

I am still superduper excited about it because taking pictures, 

especially food pictures ;-) is waaaay more fun!!! :) 

Check out my instagram :-P 

2. to join a regular Yoga Class again:

I've also started a new Yoga class this morning to get back deeper into it :) 

because I know, it makes me happy and calm.

3. for the special moments:

activities with friends'n family,

 and travelling :) 

Oh my, that's actually why I am saving for.. travelling this summer :) :) Cannot wait to tell you about my big plans, but what about your New Year's Resolutions? Did you have any, do you stick with it or did you already quit?

Rohvolution 2014: How was it?

As I've told you in last week's post, I was in Berlin over the weekend to attend the biggest Raw and Vegan Food Event Rohvolution in Europe. How was it then? I was there on Sunday because I hoped that it'd be less crowded, and yes it actually was :)

Exhibitors and visitors were pretty relaxed and calm, so it was a really nice atmosphere. My boyfriend and I arrived around noon, just perfect to take part in the lecture of Arnold Wiegand, a Raw and Vegan athlete who regularly participates in triathlons and Iron marathons. We were interested in his lifestyle and how he actually manages his training routines with being a vegan, having a raw and plant-based diet and whether he uses supplements. This took about 45min. and it was really good, he explained to us how he trains and what kind of food he eats, but also what myths are not true and what beginners (vegan + extreme sports) should be aware of.

Several products were presented, like the Vegafino, picture above, with which you can make your own nut milk or different blenders for smoothies and juices. The highlight of this event were definitely the variety of yumminess for about 2 to 8 Euros, from cookies and desserts to salads, falafel, wraps and more. We both tried out the Chili Sin Carne from Arohma and the Falafel from Bistroh Rohköstlich, but also bits'n pieces of raw, dried cookies, chocolate and green juices.

The two wonderful ladies above are Nelly Reinle-Carayon and Birgit Roth, the inventors of Wild Pasta, the very first raw pasta, which does not need to be cooked, yes at all! The Raw Pasta mostly consist of Quinoa, different herbs, spices and sea salt. It's also gluten-free and is available in three tastes: Sea Salt (the Original), Tomatoe and Provencal herbs. No cooking needed, how? Just soak in your pasta with any sauce or pesto for about 15-20 minutes and you will have your raw, healthy and delicious meal :) Isn't that amazing? I will definitely get myself a package at the store Rohköstlich and will try this out, will keep you updated ;) 

That day it was also nice and warm out, so that we spend some time outside of the two fair halls and enjoyed some sun on our faces :) That green juice was of spinach, pineapple, apple, oranges and super yummy and refreshing! How did my boyfriend actually like it? Well, he said it was a lot of fun, very interesting and there was a lot to learn about food and health. The only thing he did not think of at first was: everything is cold! Raw food, duh.. :D 

We also ended up shopping some stuff for our sweet tooth, have you ever tried Govinda Paradiso-Konfekt? It's only coconut, coconut butter and agave syrup, super delicious :) I hope you guys were able to come to this event, too. If not, go to the other ones this year and let the Raw & Vegan products and foods inspire you :) It is definitely worth it and I can highly recommend it, especially when you can shop cheaper than in the store ;-)

Happy eating, shopping and happy experimenting ♥

Rohvolution in Berlin: Raw x Vegan Food Fair

Another week just passed by and I've been busy with college and other projects so that I couldn't post more frequently. But today is another Friday and that means another Food-Post :) Well, if you follow my Instagram account, the last few posts pictured my Vegan Oatmeal Breakfast or delicious Bread and Greens :) Follow me there and get everyday inspiration from me and my life ;-)

This weekend I'm in Berlin and will attend the biggest Vegan and Raw Food Event in Europe called Rohvolution. Not only are there more than 100! yes you see it right: 100 exhibitors, who will present their new products, food, books and so on about a vegan and raw lifestyle (meaning no cooking or processing over 45°C), but you can take part in a variety of lectures, workshops and tastings. 

Hey, there is even more! This year's fair has four major highlights: 

There will be selected authors who introduce their books to us visitors and will answer your questions about health and nutrition. Let's prepare for a heated discussion!

For all chocolate-lovers, including me :) there will be a Melangeur, 
a machine which shows how to make raw chocolate!

Have you seen my noodle recipe yet? It wasn't raw of course, 
but at this fair, the very 1st raw noodle called Wild Pasta will has its premiere.

A new radio station in Germany called veggie-radio will broadcast live
 from the fair and talk about interesting topics and interviews.

I think, there's no way out but coming! If you're a food lover and you're into vegan, greens and everything delicious, don't miss this! I will be there, too and try tons of raw desserts :) I'm also planning on going into a workshop on how to make your own nut milk, are you in? :) This will be yummy, so prepare your belly, your wallet and bring a big bag because this is open to ANYONE and you can go SHOPPING while eating :)

Rohvolution

Sat.29th March, 10-7pm & Sun.30th March, 10-6pm

FEZ-Berlin (Wuhlheide)

9€ day-ticket, kids under 14 free

For more information ahead, 
take a look into the Fair Magazine or click here :)

 

Where is the picture above coming from? When I just arrived back home from my abroad year in the U.S., a dear friend and I had to try out this Rohköstlich (engl. Deliciously Raw) restaurant/shop in our little hometown :) We were pretty surprised that something like this was existing there because it's really small ;-) but the food was really good and different. We couldn't believe that it was 'uncooked', but hey I'm always curious about new food! You can also buy Superfoods like Chia-Seeds and Hemp-Protein Powder or Books about Raw Cooking there. Before, I also did not know that the restaurant owner and author Nelly Reinle-Carayon is actually organizing the Rohvolution Fair with her husband each year in several German cities ;-)

Stay tuned for more updates about this weekend's fair!

See you and happy eating ♥

Food Friday: Easy Vegan Spelt Pan x Greens

The other day a dear friend of mine came over for lunch and we did not know what to cook. So usually, I just come up with something eatable and always hope it will taste nice :D The result was a Vegan Spelt Dish with Greens mixed up all together in a pan. It turned out so good that I had to cook it again and use this as today's Food Friday Recipe :)

How come Spelt? Well, I am always curious and want to try out new things. When I first bought it, I added it to some of my breads, just the pure grain and some of my friends might have noticed it because it sometimes would be still hard inside the bread. Additionally, I use spelt as a side dish like Quinoa, so you can easily substitute it for rice, pasta, bread etc. But be sure to soak it in water the night before using it or let it sit in warm water for about an hour. Pure spelt also has more minerals and beneficial nutrients compared to processed wheat. 

Ingredients:

2 cups of spelt, soaked in or cooked with 4 cups of water.

1 zucchini,

1 onion,

some celery,

some cilantro,

some coconut oil for the pan,

any spread (here I've used a paprika cashew one).

More of leftover vegetables as you prefer, add anything you like. This pan serves about 2 hungry people, oh, and spelt is pretty filling ;-)

1. Let two cups of spelt sit with 4 cups of hot water, cover up the bowl with a plate. This takes about an hour OR cook the spelt as you would do it with rice OR let it sit with water overnight.

2.Cut up all your vegetables into slices, squares, just as you like ;-)

3. Put some coconut oil in the pan, heat it up and sauté the onion, add the other ingredients. Cooking a vegetable pan, I always go from the hardest to the softest one meaning e.g. after the onion, the zucchini, spelt, spread, celery, cilantro.

4. Add some salt and pepper as you like or don't season at all since you have the spread, which gives the pan its sauce. Put 2-3 table spoons of it into your pan and mix everything up while its on the stove.

5. Add the celery, mix up for another 5min. and garnish with some chopped cilantro :)

Hmmm.. this is really yummy :) healthy, vegan and super-easy to make ;-) I just love improvising with food and new ingredients. I also love cooked spelt because you have to chew it thoroughly in your mouth, you will notice ;-) And although this is filling, it won't give you that full and stuffed stomach. So do not hesitate to grab a package of Spelt on your next food-shopping trip and try out some delicious spelt pans with vegetables yourself ;-)

Happy cooking and experimenting! xx