Yoga’s physical benefits include increased flexibility, balance and muscle tone, to name a few. The practice also enhances mental health by offering a rare escape from multitasking and a great way for people of all ages to practice letting go of stress. Yoga is definitely for everyone, but there are various styles of Yoga to pick from. Choose the one that’s best for you. Vinyasa What it is: Vinyasa Yoga is characterized by fluid movements and frequent switching between different poses, which raises the heart rate. It makes for a great hour of cardio. Who it’s for: Good for those who don’t like doing the same poses every week, since vinyasa teachers generally change the routine for each class. Hatha What it is: Hatha is a general term for yoga that focuses on physical poses as a way toward self-realization. A hatha class is likely to be traditional, gentle (depending on the teacher), and often incorporates focused-breathing exercises and meditation. Who it’s for: Great for those who want to experience yoga’s mental benefits. Ashtanga What it is: One of the most demanding types of yoga, ashtanga incorporates fast-paced cardio with strength training. Unlike vinyasa, ashtanga yoga uses a set sequence of poses and is usually…
healthy
7 Effective Morning Rituals for a Healthier Body
Everybody likes to sleep in and mornings can be hard work if you don’t get enough sleep. It can be impossible to convince yourself to actually get up, especially if you’re doling out your precious time for a shower, choosing your outfit and doing your makeup and hair. But it’s important to make the most of your mornings–they can help determine the rest of your day and lay foundations for better habits and a more productive week. If you’re struggling to make the most of your mornings, here are seven morning moments every LoveSurf girl needs! Photo from We Heart It. #1 Water. It’s important to re-hydrate yourself after a night’s sleep. In addition to splashing your face with cold water, you should try to drink some. Add some sliced fruit to your water and put it in the fridge overnight for a delicious and healthy drink in the morning. #2 Breakfast. Never underestimate the importance of breakfast. It stops you having hunger pangs before lunch and can give you a burst of energy for the rest of the day. Make sure you have a breakfast packed with nutrients and vital ingredients to give you a spring in your step for the rest…
12 Rules to Live by For a Happy, Healthy Life
1. Trust in yourself. If you’ve got an idea – follow through with it with conviction. This year my own self-belief really took me that extra step further, in all aspects of my life. Believe in yourself and others will too. 2. Hard work always pays off. Sometimes it pays off just a little bit and sometimes it pays back big time – often you can’t tell which – but you can guarantee if you do things by halves, you’ll end up with what you deserve, which will be second best. 3. Sometimes it pays to be selfish. You can’t please everyone, it’s totally impossible. Sometimes you just need to pursue the goals and dreams you want in life even if other people in your life don’t approve or want something else for you. 4. I need a bigger wardrobe. Aka I should buy fewer clothes… easier said than done when you’re a self professed fashion enthusiast. I guess the answer is quality over quantity. 5. Confidence is worth more than gold and diamonds. Being part of Fashion Bloggers TV I really felt thrown into the deep end – but sometimes you gotta sink or swim! I really learn alot about myself…
88 Snacks Under 100 Calories
Mini PB&F: One fig Newton with 1 teaspoon peanut butter. Chocolate Banana: Half a frozen banana [this size] dipped in two squares of melted dark chocolate. Frozen grapes (any color): 1 cup (about 28 grapes), stuck in the freezer for 2+ hours. Honeyed Yogurt: ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt with a dash of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon honey. Spiced Orange: One orange— about the size of a tennis ball— sprinkled with cinnamon. Grilled Pineapple: 2 ¼-inch thick pineapple rounds (about 1 cup), grilled (or sautéed) for two minutes or until golden. Berries n’ Cream: 1 cup blueberries with 2 tablespoons whipped topping. Stuffed Figs: Two small dried figs with 1 tablespoon reduced-fat ricotta stuffed inside. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Oats n’ Berries: ⅓ cup rolled oats (cooked with water), topped with cinnamon and ¼ cup freshberries. Dark Chocolate: One block, or three squares. Nut-Stuffed Date: One Medjool Date filled with one teaspoon natural unsalted almond butter. Chocolate Milk: 6 ounces skim milk mixed with 2 teaspoons chocolate syrup. Cinnamon Applesauce: 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (like Motts). Or, try this homemade version! Citrus-Berry Salad: 1 cup mixed berry salad (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and/or blackberries) tossed with one tablespoon fresh-squeezed orange juice. Maple-Pumpkin Yogurt: ½ cup non-fat regular yogurt (go Greek for extra protein!) with 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon maple syrup… like this! Chocolate Pudding: One 4oz package. Try a fat/sugar free…
Our Favorite Detox
Every season I like to give myself a healthy detox to reboot my skin, body, and mind. A detox plan is a great way to make yourself feel new and fresh whether it is after the winter holidays filled with Thanksgiving and Christmas indulgence or if it is to prepare for summer days filled with sun, surf, and bikinis. Below are my favorite ways to renew and revitalize myself in order to prepare for my next grand adventure. Drink lots of hot water, ginger, lemon, and honey. Simply pour yourself a mug of hot water, and add 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey, 3-4 dices of ginger root, and half a lemon. For an extra kick, add a dash of hot red pepper flakes. This warm concoction is the ultimate way to flush out your system. Ginger is well known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a natural remedy for nausea and heartburn. Lemon not only helps balance your body’s pH levels, but it also aids digestion by acting as a gentle diuretic. Honey is another digestive aid that will soothe inflammation and can boost your immune system. Manuka honey has particularly strong digestive and antibacterial properties. Exfoliate your face and…
Healthy Benefits of Dancing
x LOVESURF Healthy Benefits of Dancing was originally published on LOVESURF BLOG
25 Flat Belly Foods
1. EVOO – (extra virgin olive oil) A-monounsaturated fat that burns calories and fat. This oil also helps with cholesterol levels. A great belly slimmer. 2. Nonfat Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt has more protein than regular yogurt which keeps you fuller longer. It also contains good bacteria (probiotics) that works to reduce the bad bacteria in the intestines that is responsible for belly bloating. 3. Mushrooms – With the lack of vitamin D, it has been linked to higher levels of belly fat. Mushrooms are the only natural plant source of Vitamin D. Mushrooms are a fabulous way to cut carbs too. 4. Skim Milk – Milk is the perfect combination of protein and carbs to keep you feeling full, especially after a workout. It also helps to build muscle and lose fat. Check out our Strawberry Banana smoothie with skim milk. 5. Beans – Beans are a great food for belly slimming. They are high in fiber and low in calories. Beans are great because they fire off at, build muscle and regulate digestion. They also help you feel full faster and longer which helps with over-eating. 6. Almonds – A super convenient snack, almonds (with the skin)…
x lovesurf Run it Off was originally published on LOVESURF BLOG
Check out this recipe from The Minimalist Baker for Vegan Peach Oat Smoothies. They have chia seeds in them, too! Delicious. X LOVESURF Vegan Peach Oat Smoothie was originally published on LOVESURFLIFE
Yoga Anywhere
You really can be anyone, and anywhere to do yoga. Yoga is a time for re-charging, re-centering and relaxing – even when some poses are insane! x LOVESURF Yoga Anywhere was originally published on LOVESURF BLOG
Fitness Tip: Post-Workout Recovery
A good workout isn’t just about what happens when you are burning those calories. What you do immediately after exercising affects how your body reacts and responds to your hard work, so make the most of your next sweat session with these post-workout must dos. Re-hydrate: Not drinking enough during your workout can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and headaches afterward, so save yourself from a bad day and take a water break after your workout. If you’ve just finished a particularly intense workout, a sports drink or coconut water may be better: they will help replenish electrolytes like sodium and potassium that you’ve lost during your workout. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re replenishing lost water stores in your body as soon as possible after a workout. Stretch out: Never finish a workout without spending a few minutes stretching your tired muscles; giving your body a much-needed stretch will ensure that you increase your flexibility and ease delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) the next day. Grab a snack: That little post-workout snack offers more benefits than just quieting hunger — it also helps you get the most benefits from your workout. Your snack should be a mix of protein and carbs: eating protein…
Wanderlust: Surviving Coachella 2013
We know that LoveSurf Girls are bold, strong, and live life to the fullest. We know they can handle any paddle out, any triathalon, any extreme hiking adventure, BUT can we survive the crowded, sweaty, (but amazing) music festival in the middle of the desert that millions of people wait for all year? The answer is OF COURSE! Who wants to miss 200 incredible artists rocking your socks off for three days straight?! But, how do LoveSurf girls do it? Well, here’s some tips: Hydration We all know hydration is important while we’re working out or hanging out on the beach. Our bodies need it. But, when we’re consumed by good music and a good time, sometimes we forget how important it is. So, don’t forget to visit the hydration station. Sunscreen and Shade You’re in the middle of the desert. Enough said. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Wear Light, Breezy Clothes Once again, you’re in the middle of the desert. It’s hot. Try a sundress, romper, or cute maxi dress and some sandals. Bring Pants and a Hoody Despite the fact it is boiling in the middle of the day, the desert tends to take on a whole…
