Making Flint Beautiful

Recently my son, Hakeem, participated in the Kid's Classic Crim 1 Mile race.  He did it in 9 minutes!  The little stinker is faster than I am!

While we were at the Crim event there were LOTS of healthy activities for the kids to participate in: Zumba, agility exercises, science experiments, making stress balls, learning about veggies & fruits, learning how much sugar is in there favorite soda, and Karate.  

Hakeem enjoying a plate of fresh greens from a King's Karate student named, Hakim.  Hakim told him it would turn him into a black belt.  Hakeem was pretty impressed to meet someone w/ his same name.

The Karate table from King's Karate impressed me the most at this event.  At King's Karate the kids not only participate in the physical aspect of the practice, the mental aspect-working hard, respect, and pride, but also farming the land.  King's Karate cleaned out abandoned lots in Flint, and turned them into greenhouse farms.  I am super inspired by the program they are leading, and how they are taking Flint and making it beautiful & prosperous.  At the same time including the kids.  Showing them hard work.  Teaching them healthy living.  Teaching them pride.  Showing them that just because they maybe handed a situation that isn't sparkly and pretty doesn't mean they can't clean it up, dust it off and make it of great value to them, and those around them.  If you are in the Flint area I urge you to checkout King's Karate.  They have a great thing going there!

http://kingkarate.org/

Smoothie for a Picky Kiddo

Is your kiddo PICKY?  Would s/he prefer a smoothie w/ a ton of Daddy's HERSHEYS syrup?  If this is you, then you have come to the right place.  My son often likes to make his own smoothies w/ nothing but JUNK in them.  I am digging his 8 yr old independence, but I'd really dig him making good choices.  I was lucky enough to be asked to make him a smoothie for breakfast the other morning.  I made his request of Chocolate, Banana, Strawberry--but I did so in a mama fashion!  Needless to say he threw back almost the entire smoothie, and then asked if it was cocoa instead of hersheys.  Yes, he noticed, but he also LOVED it!  And if I had it I would have throw a handful of fresh spinach in there too!

I used:

1/2 a frozen banana

apprx 1 cup frozen strawberries

1/2 cup milk (he likes cows milk, I don't but I don't argue)

1 large spoonful of low sodium low fat cottage cheese (we were out of yogurt)

a spoonful of organic pure cocoa powder

a tsp of organic agave

Open Face Beet & Swiss Chard

Did you know that beets BEAT disease?  Well you do now!  This recipe I threw together was inspired by Jillian Michael's cookbook, "Master Your Metabolism".  In her book she uses some different ingredients.  She nix's the bread, beets, edamame & hummus then uses the other ingredients adds some other items & stuffs it all in potstickers.  Don't get me wrong I love potstickers too, but you can get creative & experiment w/ other renditions.  I also like the ingredients w/o starchy carbs as a straight up salad.  Mmmmmmmmm, YUM!  Try it.  You may like it, Sam I am!

 

Zingerman's farm bread, hummus,swiss chard,

beets,edamame, red peppers, green onions,cilantro,

ginger,tamari, olive oil w/ fresh cracked pepper

and a light sprinkle of sea salt.

Core Stretch

You are always hearing about core strength.  Well what about a nice core stretch after all that core work?  Enjoy this stretch over an exercise ball after you've put in a lot of hard work!

Many of us are blessed. We can walk. We can move through life. Heck we can even vinyasa. Sometimes we take that for granted. Sometimes we need a reminder. There are others out there that aren't as blessed as we. In that light we'd like to offer a donation Gentle Vinyasa Yoga Class on 6/20 at pm. Have you always wanted to try vinyasa, but felt slightly intimidated? Then, come try this Gentle Vinyasa. We will move slowly, and surely w/ all the concepts of a Vin class in a gentle manner. Let your breath be your guide.

All donations will go to bikeMS. It is an two day 150 mile bike ride from Fenton, MI to Lansing, MI and back. It takes place in the heat of July! The money that is raised goes to support awareness, and research for MS. Our instructor, Emily Manship, will be joining the fight against MS & hopping on her bike. She feels a strong urge to participate in this event in honor of those w/ MS. Let's all join together and honor those that need it most. Namaste.

This event will take place at The Yoga Path in Davison, MI.  For more info check out the Facebook event page.

 

SUP--not SOUP!

I am SUPER geeked to say I am now the proud owner of a Standup Paddle Board (SUP)!  This is similar to a surf board, but you stand up and cruise around w/ a long paddle.  Ahhhhhh, it makes me feel as though I am truly tuning in to my inner Gidget (my favorite movie from my pre/teen era-yes I am old enough to appreciate it)!

So when I am not in the office working, teaching yoga, training my PT clients, or pounding away at CrossFit you will find me gliding on Michigan & Indiana waters.  It is such an awesome serine way to enjoy nature.  If you have the opportunity to try out a paddle board DO IT!

Ladies &  Gents, I am a sap for fundraisers.  It feels so good to raise awareness & sometimes a little dough to help others in need.  The even more special part of it is that I can do it w/ fitness.  Maybe the ppl I am helping to support aren't able to be as active as they'd like.  This is my way to give back.  If you are so moved JOIN me, or support me in my efforts to help others.

The first event I am doing is CrossFit for Hope.  This event will be an INTENSE WOD at my local Xfit box & will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  It takes place on June 8 at 6pm.

The second event I am doing is bikeMS.  This event is a 2 day 150mile bike ride in Michigan in JULY!  It benefits ppl w/ MS giving them activities to participate in & support them as well as promotes research for a future cure.

If you are so moved to join me--physically, I'd love to have you; or support me as well as those affected w/ cancer, illness, or ms, spiritually (prayer and or positive vibes); or support me financially, your efforts are greatly appreciated & humbly received.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

Namaste <3

EGGS

Hard Boiled Eggs: I know eggs can  sometimes have a bad rap, but they are not so evil!  Hard boiled eggs can be a quick on the go snack when they are prepared ahead of time.  Or they can easily be made into a healthy egg salad.  Or even be in your breakfast.  They have great proteins, and yes fat is good for you!!

Eggs Chillin'

Egg Whites-yes I cooked them in the microwave--confession!

Cooked Egg Whites

Healthier Egg Salad w/ whole eggs, egg whites, plain yogurt, & mustard

Prepped breakfast per the Zone Diet (Xfit) Egg & Black Bean Quesadilla w/ cheese & avocado.