healthy

Sitting stagnant in an office all day has detrimental effects on your body; your posture, your blood sugar levels, and your muscles all suffer from lack of movement.

If you want a simple answer, yes you do.  But if you’re looking for a long winded but more truthful answer, then no. One doesn’t lose weight by consecutively striking social media-worthy poses that you see professionals do quite effortlessly. The root of the problem here is that yoga is widely misunderstood for just one aspect that it represents: The poses or asanas, as we know them.

To be eco-friendly, otherwise known as environment friendly, means to practice not harming the environment. To act in accordance with the natural phenomena of our living planet, rather than to rule or control it. It means having a friendly relationship between humans and nature, while taking care of our surrounding environment. Being eco-friendly is a great goal to have because you are trying to accomplish the least negative impacts on land, water and air. Here are 11 easy ways to be eco-friendlier in your day-to-day life.

You might know that naturally fermented foods are one of our closest nutritional allies, but do you know the science behind your sauerkraut?

More and more studies are backing up what we’ve known for millennia about lacto-fermentation, adding a much-needed dose of holistic wisdom to the culture at large. It seems as though every time a study is conducted, more ancient knowledge quietly transforms into scientific fact. Not only is this research satisfying, but it also gives us a closer look at why fermented food plays such a critical role in our diets.

As the weather gets colder in the Northern Hemisphere, we often find ourselves looking for warming soups, stews, and other hearty meals. This recipe is perfect for a warm fall meal! Since fall is the season of the Vata dosha (light and airy), warm hearty meals are also particularly beneficial for grounding. Whip up this recipe for a nice lunch or dinner that you and your guests are sure to enjoy!

Chickpea Turmeric Soup with Fresh Cilantro

1 tbsp. coconut oil

1-2 garlic cloves, minced

½ white onion, sliced lengthwise

The idea of a vacation helping you to refresh your brain and recharge your battery is a universally accepted one, and with good reason…

As the days grow colder, I love a good bowl of soul-warming soup. This one will do the trick in a jiffy and is perfect to make when you feel a cold coming on. It does require some time to make, so make sure you start preparing and cooking it at least an hour or two before dinnertime. This recipe should make anywhere from 6-10 servings, so be prepared for leftovers (no worries, they'll taste just as yummy).

Ingredients:

1 large can of vegetable broth

5-7 large carrots (peeled and chopped)

3-4 cups of water

Tofu scrambles are a staple in many vegan diets because of their versatile nature and high protein content. This recipe stands out with the nutritional yeast and spinach which add essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, B12 and more. The onion, garlic and bell pepper add some rich flavors and color without overpowering the dish, making it the perfect way to start your morning. Try it as the filling for a delicious breakfast burrito with the simple addition of some vegan cheese and a tortilla!

Tofu Scramble (Vegan)

If you are like me, you need to eat right when you get home from work. That generally means opening the fridge and grabbing the first thing I see that doesn't need preparation. This can lead to poor eating decisions and gorging on extra calories. Limited time and a grumbling stomach are not a good mix when it comes to making health-conscious eating decisions. I knew that if I was going to make better choices, it was time I made a few changes to my regimen. This is how I found a way to avoid the junk food with a hectic schedule.

Planting a vegetable garden that remains free of aphids and bothersome bugs may seem difficult, but not with an age-old trick: companion planting. By planting certain vegetables with their companion plants, herbs or flowers, some form of cultural benefit is created. Planting cucumbers underneath sunflowers, for example, helps both plants; the cucumbers take up the otherwise unused space underneath the sunflowers, while the sunflowers provide shade for the cucumbers.