Source: http://www.fannetasticfood.com/2015/12/11/nyc-adventures/

Hello from New York City, my friends! Before I get into today’s post, I wanted to say a quick thank you for all your great feedback on Wednesday’s post about potentially mixing up my content/post timing for the blog. I’m so glad to hear you still like the random day to day lifestyle type posts, and if you guys are enjoying what I’m doing, then I’m happy to keep doing it! If I have days where I don’t have much to say, maybe I’ll hold off on posting, but other than that, I’ll keep doing what works. As always, thank you so much for reading – I’m happy you’re here!

And now – New York fun!

As you guys know, Matt and I are headed to a wedding on Long Island this weekend, and I decided to come up to the city a little early to see friends! It’s been a very fun whirlwind since I arrived on Wednesday evening; I know some of you have been following along over on Instagram. <img src="http://www.fannetasticfood.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png" alt=":…

Source: http://greatist.com/eat/ultimate-guide-cooking-for-one?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=feed_http–greatistcom-

There’s nothing like getting psyched to try a new recipe only to realize it serves a small army. Rather than mess with ingredient modifications or give up and reach for a bowl of cereal, we’ve got a better suggestion: Dive into our collection of ridiculously tasty (and simple) single-serving recipes. We’ve also thrown in the ideal grocery list for one, kitchen tools worth knowing about, and a few outstanding cookbooks you’ll actually use. Dining solo just got a whole lot easier.

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Source: http://www.sonima.com/meditation/overcoming-depression/

How should I not be glad to contemplate

the clouds clearing beyond the dormer window

and a high tide reflected on the ceiling?

There will be dying, there will be dying,

but there is no need to go into that.

The poems flow from the hand unbidden

and the hidden source is the watchful heart;

the sun rises in spite of everything

and the far cities are beautiful and bright. 

I lie here in a riot of sunlight

watching the day break and the clouds flying.

Everything is going to be all right.

– Derek Mahon

This poem was excerpted from Black Rainbow, by Rachel Kelly, which tells the story of one woman’s journey overcoming depression, and the healing power of words and poetry. Copyright © 2015 by Rachel Kelly. Reprinted by permission of Quercus, a Hachette company.

Photo by Matt Roy

The post A Poem for Hope in Overcoming Depression appeared first on Sonima.

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Source: http://www.thefitbits.com/2015/11/why-does-yoga-make-you-high.html

Tonight I had the most nourishing, wholesome and goddamn beautiful experience of my life.

I’m not even joking.

There was a moment – alright, a few moments – where I was so flooded with serotonin, and peace, and (hold tight, it’s coming…) love, I nearly burst into fucking tears right there on the mat.

Does anyone else float out of a yoga class on a bed of bliss? 
I haven’t had time for yoga recently. Or actually, I haven’t made time. I’ve been so busy with work, projects, training and general life that the idea of setting aside some time to just breathe was out of the question.

Which is funny because the one thing that would balance everything out is yoga.

I’ve realised, from flirting with it for a good couple of years now, that it’s something I really *need* in my life. I’ve been dining out on amazing free classes and intro offers for too long.

It’s time to invest. 

I’m gonna spend the next few weeks trying out different Brighton yoga, meditation and mindfulness classes to find the ones to commit to. I’ll bring you my findings soon but for now, let’s look at why so bloody awesome:

Why does yoga make you high?
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/…

Source: http://mentalitywod.com/9945/when-your-training-feels-like-a-job-492/

Have your workouts ever started to feel like a chore or a job? You once looked forward to training and then it began to feel like an obligation. Has this ever happened to you?

Follow these 5 tips

Remind yourself of your choices. You can always choose, and it’s likely that no one is forcing you.
Change your language. You don’t “need” to workout or “have” to train. Instead, remember that you “get” to workout, you’re “able” to train and that it’s a blessing to have the opportunity.
Vary your schedule, environment and training partners. Get creative and mix it up so that you can enjoy it again.
Reassess your goals, expectations and training demands. Check in with a coach or training partner to see if what you’re doing is appropriate.
Take a damn break. If you’re constantly dreading it, then you’ll likely see your progress come to a halt and your attitude outside of the gym will start to be negatively impacted.

Bottom Line: Of course your training may feel like an obligation, a duty or even a “job” at times. But, realize that perception may be causing you to feel more stress, pressure, expectation and doubt. You may start to dread your workouts, instead of being pumped about the opportunity to partici…

Source: http://summertomato.com/ask-darya-what-should-my-relationship-with-my-bathroom-scale-look-like/

Happy Friday friends,

Due to holiday chaos, For the Love of Food will be spotty (possibly non-existent) during the month of December. Don’t worry though, it’ll be back in January.

Today I want to try something a little different. You might know that there is a section on Summer Tomato called Ask Darya where people can publicly ask questions and I do my best to answer them.

Instead of writing out an answer, this week I decided to answer a question in video format so I could go into more detail and more people could benefit. It was fun for me to create, so I hope you like it.

In today’s video I answer a question from Anna about how to develop a healthy relationship with your bathroom scale when you’re working to build muscle and lose body fat. There is certainly some nuance here, especially if the scale is something you’ve had a troubled relationship with in the past (or present).

The article she is referring to in the question is The Worst Thing You Can Do if You’re Trying to Lose Weight.

If this is something you guys enjoy I promise to get a better camera for future videos 🙂

Cheers,

Darya

p.s. If you still want to see the (much smaller number of) interes…

Source: http://www.runningonrealfood.com/15-amazing-vegan-chia-pudding-recipes/

I love, love, love chia pudding, in fact it’s my go-to breakfast most days of the week. You don’t really need a recipe to make chia pudding, simply mix chia seeds with non-dairy milk and you add-ins of choice and you’re all set however, these 15 amazing vegan chia pudding recipes are just too good not…

Read More »

The post 15 Amazing Vegan Chia Pudding Recipes appeared first on Running on Real Food.

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Source: http://www.runningonrealfood.com/easy-creamy-vegan-mocha/

Is it the weekend yet? Not quite, but it’s coming and that means it’s almost time for more mochas! A few days ago we talked about how you enjoy your first cup of the day. As I enjoy my first cup at the moment, it’s a basic cup of Lavazza with a splash of almond…

Read More »

The post Easy Creamy Vegan Mocha appeared first on Running on Real Food.

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Source: http://www.niashanks.com/strong-woman-series-molly-galbraith/

“Don’t settle for good-enough when you deserve amazing” is one of the statements that remains seared in my mind after having the privilege of chatting with Molly Galbraith on the most recent episode of The Nia Shanks Show.

Molly is an amazing woman and in this episode she shares her contribution to the STRONG Woman Series. She reveals some personal struggles – losing a parent, battling an awkward phase, ending a relationship – and shares how she used those experiences to come out the other side a better, more awesome version of herself.

And, in usual Molly fashion, we have several great laughs throughout this conversation.

I dare you to get through this episode without giggling or being tremendously inspired.

Use the audio player above to listen now or …

Download the MP3 file of this episode.

Download this episode from iTunes.

Download this episode from Stitcher.

Show Notes for Episode 6 with Molly Galbraith:

2:00 – Molly’s “awkward phase” and growing up as a child of a politician.
8:45 – The actress I think Molly resembles, and her story about meeting her.
11:30 – How Molly embraced her uniqueness.
16:05 – Molly is a proud proponent of therapy.
19:…

Source: http://www.dailycupofyoga.com/2015/06/15/meditate-to-reset-and-relax/

A photo posted by Brian (@dailycupofyoga) on Jun 13, 2015 at 5:18am PDT

There is a growing meditation movement happening around the world. Meditation is mainstream and no longer on the fringe. Hip-hop moguls are writing books about it, movie stars blog about it, the yoga studios are packing in stretched bodies with quiet minds. There is a long list of Western spiritual gurus spreading the word too. Balance is the word and meditation is the way to get it.

As stress builds up in our body, we begin to experience sickness, tension, and fatigue. Our emotions become strained and our mind fills with fear and negative thoughts. The convincing link between the mind and body is well established and health and wellness advocates in the medical profession promote reducing stress as a way to avoid disease.

According to mental health research, intense feelings of anxiety and stress can cause a nervous breakdown. The nerves don’t actually break, of course but it’s a signal to shut down and reset. We have become out of balance.

How to Reset:

Closing the eyes and limiting the sensory input will immediately start to slow things down. Deep breaths combined with a meditation exercise will lower the brain wave frequency to a synchronized, more focused level of mind.

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