Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Yoga Teacher Training Fundraiser

Hello friends. Thank you so much for taking a moment to read this. I am taking this opportunity to teach myself to overcome fear and say the three words I hate saying the most. I. Need. Help. Those words... never easy to say, but they open our hearts to love and kindness. 

I may have used these words with a few of you in the past and for your understanding and kindness, I thank you.  When I was in high school, my mother helped me drag my butt to a performing arts school... NOCCA. I went to study to learn about acting and how to make it in the crazy world of performing for money. It was there, down in New Orleans that I discovered my true love: Yoga. To be completely honest, I was horrible when I first started. My drama movement class focused on yoga as a way to move the body and free yourself. I wasn't the most bending friendly person in the class. It wasn't until a year later that I was awarded best in class; an awarded I never thought would be given to me. Shortly after I finally felt that I belonged in the yoga world, I broke my left foot. Which left me in a cast for about 8 months. I had to relearn how to do everything... walk, move my toes, and most importantly, retrain my left foot to love yoga again. My physical therapist promised me I would never step foot on a yoga mat again (No pun intended, laughs, laughs). Unlike the promise my therapist made me, I also made a promise to myself that I would not stop working my bad foot until it was screaming to bend upside down again. It took me about 2 years before I could make it through an hour yoga class. But I could do it and that was enough motive for me to push on. I have been opening my heart to yoga for 5 years now. My foot is a thing in the past and he was wrong (my physical therapist), I am not only able to practice yoga but I'm now ready to become a yoga instructor. I should invite him to my first class (laughs, laughs). 
This is something I've considered and wanted for years but have never been able to afford the training. I recently found out the yoga studio I practice with actually holds a teacher training course (Yoga Bliss in Baton Rouge). It is a 200 hour course that is Yoga Alliance approved. I missed the January dead line to sign up for the course running through April (my partner and I could not afford it). The next teacher training course for Yoga Bliss will begin right after the January students finish up in April (the course will begin in March). It is my goal to be one of the few blessed yoga students in training with Yoga Bliss this March. Once completing the course, I would be a Registered Yoga Teacher.

For the past year, my partner and I have been saving up so I could afford to attend the Yoga Bliss Teacher Training course. One week before Christmas, I lost my job working for a well known company that I was so proud to be working for. The money we saved up had to be spent on paying our mortgage and other bills. So, now I am back to square one with my savings account. I am still searching for another job (mostly so I can start saving again!!!) This is why I have turned to asking my friends to help make my dream and career a reality. I was so sure I would be able to sign up for the the next teacher training course, but without a job.... it is looking like I will have to push it off another six months. It has been extremely hard bouncing from job to job trying to make it work. The end result has always been the same... my heart just wasn't in it. I am more than ready to start the career I am passionate about! No more dreading the alarm clock, no more counting down the hours until the day is done. Just loving life and loving what yoga can bring into a life. I am extremely excited to begin my life as a Yoga Instructor... to be able to give back and teach people what yoga can really do. To make a difference in someone's life just by sharing what I know about yoga-- That's when the day is done.

I am asking you all, my friends, to give anything you can, anything at all.  I am extremely grateful you all are in my life and just the act of you reading this is a gift to me. I greatly appreciate any help I receive in becoming a better woman and a better friend. I know that times are hard and most of you have families and obligations so know that your encouragement is a gift in it's self. 

If you are able to give, I would be more than happy to pay it forward and lend an hour of my time to you, your families, or any organization of your choosing. Whether it may be time at an animal shelter, helping to clean your home, getting involved in a youth program at a church; anything! The sky is the limit! Once your donation is made, please contact me via Facebook, the comments on this site, or email to arrange my pay it forward.

I have included the link to the Yoga Bliss Teacher Training website, if you would like more info about the program.   

Again, Thank you for taking the time to read this! 

With all my love and gratitude,

Annie 

Monday, January 26, 2015

Cheating and Facing Facts

Hello everyone and welcome back to Project Health!

Today's post is going to be a little different-- instead of recipes or tips, I actually wanted to give an update about how my vegan lifestyle is going. To start, I should put out the disclaimer that this lifestyle is not easy. As I'm sure most of you know. I got to this journey in my life because I went to my doctor with an issue and my partner and I came out with an answer. I often think back to that day. Maybe I'm being a little dramatic... but this was no joke. It was sad, scary, and horrible. I remember sitting on the cold table, waiting for the doctor to figure out what was wrong with me. Results showed there was no lump in my breast and this news came with relief. As soon as my mind stopped rushing with thoughts of the C word... Cancer... a new fear became present--- if it's not breast cancer, then what the hell is wrong with me? After many more appointments, my doctor finally stated the most scary statement of all... "I don't know what's wrong." My heart dropped... I remember thinking, "How hard can this be to figure out?" and of course, "What's going to happen to me?"
There were no more test that could be preformed, there were no more results that could show sunlight. They really didn't know... and neither did I.

"No soy, nothing that contains hormones, like meat, dairy, or anything that comes from an animal for that matter." My response to this was of course true to form, "What am I suppose to eat?!" And then the doctor said the most strange word of all; "Vegan". The only true answer the doctors could come up with.... Vegan lifestyle.

After I got dressed and left the Cancer Center, I felt lost. What was a girl like me doing at a Cancer Center. I felt so lost in fact, I couldn't even find my car. I began looking around at the mostly full parking lot and wondering what all these people were here for... and if maybe someone had my same problem. Then maybe I wouldn't be alone.

I battle with myself every single day about my diet. Wondering if it really makes a difference. Wondering if that one slice of cake will really cause me harm.
Back in October, my partner and I traveled to Arkansas to get married. On this trip, I put my cake theory to the test. At first I didn't feel any different. But I can honestly say, sitting here at my computer today, I know the doctors were right. I have been stabled with a vegan lifestyle and I just have to come to terms with that.
The more I cheat my diet, the worse I feel, the more damage I am doing to my body. So, here's to no more cheating! Vegans of the world, Take me away!!

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

New Year, New You | Tips and Tricks

Hello everyone and welcome back to Project Health! I hope you all have had an amazing Christmas with your family and friends! Of course, what comes after Christmas? New Year's... and everyone knows what that means-- those New Year's resolutions! Many people center their resolutions around weight-loss, healthy living, and fitness-- I challenge you to do the same!

                                                                                                                                                       


Tips and tricks to make it happen:

  • Doing a fun and FREE challenge! FullyRawKristina is hosting a Fully Raw Challenge and it is not only easy but it is also free! Here is the link to sign up and get more info: http://www.fullyraw.com/21-day-challenge/
  • Avoid eating fast food! It may be easy and it may be fast BUT it is also a fast way to pack on the pounds. Making yourself something at home will save you money and you control what ingredients are added to your meal. -TRICK- Prepare your lunch the night before to save yourself time and canceling out any chance of having to run the fast food route for lunch.
  • Do work outs you actually enjoy! If you hate running, get in your cardio by doing something you may actually enjoy. Bike riding and even yoga are great, easy ways to get the heart rate going (and you can do these things outside of a gym)
  • Have a buddy! Working out and eating clean is just easier when you have someone doing it with you. Someone you can share your struggles with and compare notes. You get the point-- partner's are good! 
  • Keep your coffee skinny! I am a huge coffee drinker and after going vegan, I learned lots of info about what was actually in my fancy high priced coffee. Although they taste amazing, my body was feeling horrible after. Making copy- cat recipes at home will save you calories and money. But, I have a TRICK for you if you are like me and still love your Starbucks brewed cup! -TRICK- In the mornings before you leave, grab a small cup of your creamer (make it even better and use vegan creamer) and take that to Starbucks with you... and ice if you want something iced. Ask for one shot or maybe two of just espresso (which if you do not know, just a shot is super cheap, YAY). And like magic, you have made your own iced coffee without actually having to do much! Sometimes I like to add my own flavorings to my creamer as well for an added kick of fancy.
  • Drink less-- This one is not fun but it's true. Alcohol is not the best for your body, skin, and can be packed with calories. -TRICK- The brand SkinnyGirl has super yummy drinks and less calories. So, if you are going to drink, make it skinny! 
            Thank you everyone for reading and I hope you all have a great and safe New Year!

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Vegan Egg Nog recipe | Healthy and Low Cal

                                              Vegan Egg Nog | Healthy and Low Cal

                           Today on Project Health, we are making a vegan egg nog! Nothing says holidays like a nice glass of egg nog, Right? If you are an egg nog lover, which I am assuming you are since you are looking at this recipe (duh), then you may be familiar with the not so appealing calories that go along with this beloved treat. The average egg nog contains about 223 calories for just one cup! And also filled with bad fats.
This recipe is not only less calories, but it actually contains those good fats that you know, are naturally good for us.
 It's extremely easy to make and only a few ingredients are needed.


Here what you need

2 ¼  cups almond milk or any nut milk you wish 
1/2 cup raw cashew butter
1/3  cup maple syrup or agave nectar (I used agave nectar)
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of ground clove (less than 1/8 tsp)


So, now here is the hard part, you put everything into the blender and blend. Yes.
For a little added fun, add 2 tbsp bourbon or dark rum—extra kick is always fun!

I hope you all enjoy this little holiday classic! 

Thank you for reading! 

Friday, December 5, 2014

Vegan White Chocolate Recipe

                               Hello everyone and welcome back to Project Health! 
Yesterday's yummy recipe was vegan gingerbread cookies. If you missed it, you can check it out... just below today's post. 
               BUT TODAY..... *Drum Roll* We are making Vegan White Chocolate!!!
                    PICTURE OF THE FINISHED PRODUCT. I KNOW... I CAN'T EITHER.

It's super easy to make; Let's get to it!

         
Here's what you need:
½ cup melted cocoa butter
½  tsp vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup raw cashew butter
pinch of salt
2 tsp coconut milk powder

To begin, you want to melt the cacao butter in a double boiler until liquefied. Once your cocoa butter is nice and liquid ready, pour your melted cocoa butter into your blender. At this point, you might be thinking that it's a good idea to stick your finger into the cocoa butter and give it a try-- but don't-- it taste like poison. Seriously. It's not yet "chocolate sweet". Add all the other yummy ingredients and get to blending. Once everything is nice and well blended, evenly pour onto a parchment paper lined baking pan, and place in the freezer for  1 hour. When you take your white chocolate out, you will know when it's ready if it's hard as a rock.  Break into serve-able pieces or hell, eat the whole thing! 

ENJOY!!!!


Thursday, December 4, 2014

Vegan GingerBread Man (or woman) Cookie Recipe

                                   Hello everyone and welcome back to Project Health! 
The holidays are here and one of my favorite treats to eat around this time of year would have to be gingerbread cookies. So, naturally I was determined to find a vegan way to make this little gem of a treat! 

Let's get to baking!

Here's what you need

3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 13/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
6 tbsp Coconut oil 
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 eggs worth of egg- replacer
1/2 cup molasses
2 tsp vanilla

Begin by mixing together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Mix together until there are zero clumps.
 Beat together the coconut oil, brown sugar, and egg-replacer until well mixed. Then you want to add the molasses and vanilla and of course, get back to mixing!
Slowly, (1 cup at a time) add your dry ingredients until well combined. You May have to get your hands dirty on this one.  Divide dough into three equal parts and form into balls (I used me hands) Wrap in plastic wrap and allow to sit at room temperature for 2 hours.              (the longest two hours of my life!!!!!)
It's been 2 hours... let's bake these bad boys (or girls)
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and line a cookie pan with parchment paper -- skip on the "PAM" and save yourself from some extra fat.
Lightly dust the area you are going to use to turn the dough into little people (hehehe). If the dough is sticky, dust your rolling pin with extra flour. Roll out your dough until it is 1/4 inch thick.
I used cookie cutters to make my shapes but if you are super awesome and can do without... well then, damn. 
Bake your cookies for 7 minutes if you like soft cookies and 10 minutes if you prefer harder, crunchier cookies.  Remove cookies from oven and allow to cool.
Once cooled decorate with royal icing, or dust or stencil with powdered sugar

ENJOY!!!!!!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Healthy Thanksgiving That Does Not Suck!

Hello everyone and welcome back to Project Health! 
Where the hell have I been, you ask? And where the hell is that Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe? Well, the recipe is coming! I have been trying, trying, trying, to get together a nice little video for the VPSL (Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte) grand release. With Thanksgiving madness this week... I'm thinking a little VPSL may be the treat everyone needs! 
As to where I have been and what's been going on.... well... let's just say, I have been reaching high and low to find myself! Through my lifestyle change journey, I kind of forgot to check in on myself and ask, "how are you doing?". My body and mind have been going through many changes during this journey and that can be a little frightening to someone that did not see it coming. I thought I would be able to walk into this lifestyle and breeze right along. It's really never that simple. Let's just say my mind had a freak out.
BUT on the plus side, I have found myself and found my focus. So let's do this! 

THANKSGIVING VEGAN STYLE. LET'S GET THIS GOING! 
Yes, it can be done. Many people "cheat" on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas because they wonder, "what will I eat?". It can be done, folks. Health is just right around the corner and sitting on your Thanksgiving plate. 
I'm not going to lie... I was kind of wondering the same thing-- then I turned to my resources.... better known as Youtube. 


Fully Raw Kristina from Youtube has posted a wonderful video with Thanksgiving ideas that are healthy, vegan and or course.... easy to make. Kristina is a Raw Vegan, so her recipes mirror her lifestyle. Naturally, she is fabulous and I love her energy. 

I also really enjoy watching Sarah Fit's videos on Youtube. She is not vegan but does often post vegan topic videos. Like, Fully Raw Kristina, Sarah Fit has posted a Thanksgiving tips video on how to have a healthy Thanksgiving that doesn't suck (really, it's in the title!!)


I hope you guys have found these videos helpful in some small way. 
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a safe Black Friday. 
Let the eating and shopping begin! 

Thank you everyone for reading!