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On July 27th, New Leaf Foundation is hosting an inspiring day-long retreat led by acclaimed teachers Michael Stone and Jessica Robertson. Enjoy 2 asana classes, pranayama, a little kirtan as well as lecture and discussion on ways to enhance your practice. Also delight in delicious vegetarian meals on the beautiful Moksha Farm in Claremont? all in support of New Leaf?s work to bring yoga to incarcerated and at-risk youth!
Incarcerated and at-risk youth often return to or live in dangerous and violent environments. New Leaf Yoga offers tools for creating peace within so that these youth can use these tools to maintain peace in communities across Ontario. The Country yoga retreat will be a challenging, fun, and insightful day of practice; and your participation in this day will connect you and all of those taking part, to this compassionate, far reaching and much needed work.
Click here for more details and to learn how to join in!
"Is it that time already?!" we ask ourselves.. The time of year we look so forward to yet dread at the same time. Yes, I'm referring to our brief, exciting season of Summer which, for most of us, involves trying on our first bathing suit/bikini of the year... Depending on where this takes place, the experience could be anything from horrifying to somewhat of a relief. Mirrors, lighting, our diets and exercise regimen (if there's been one) all play a part on how this event goes down. So, this brings me to the topic of Cellulite - fat that has pushed through cell walls into the middle layer of skin which hence shows through to the surface.The Holistic Nutritionist's take on cellulite, like anything else, is to identify the possible cause and attempt to correct it firstly through diet and, if necessary, supplementation. Poor digestion and poor lymph drainage are thought to be the primary causes. Lets look at digestion first.
Tips for optimal digestion:
- eat raw veggies or a salad with every meal as they provide us with enzymes needed for digestion
- practice food combining; eat a concentrated protein source with veggies or a concentrated carbohydrate source with veggies and fruit on an empty stomach (this method of eating will also aid in weight loss)
- avoid drinking water with meals
- chew slowly and properly
- avoid eating while stressed
- avoid refined, processed and junk foods and sugar
- eat a whole-foods, clean diet
- ensure an adequate intake of fiber
- consume primarily plant-based foods and keep animal derived foods to a minimum
- take digestive enzymes when needed
"Your lymphatic system helps circulate fluids, proteins and immune cells throughout the body, plus eliminate toxins and waste products" says Susan Faber on harmonioushealing.com.
How to stimulate lymph drainage:
- Skin Brushing: check out these websites for instructions: http://healingtools.tripod.com/skinbrush.html; http://www.harmonyhealthcentre.ca/dry_skin_brushing.html
- Lymphatic Drainage: "Lymphatic Drainage is a specialized form of massage that is gentle, flowing, and rhythmic. Techniques are used to help stimulate and encourage the Lymphatic System to resume its natural function. Excess fluid is guided away from the congested area." Check with your local RMT and see if this service is available to you.
Supplementation:
- Wild Rose Herbal Detox which goes for about $35 is said to have great results and is fairly liberal and easy to do
- Drinking 1 part pure cranberry juice mixed with 4 parts water and 2 tablespoons milled golden flax first thing in the morning consistently for several weeks has also proven to be effective
And last, but not least, lets not forget about exercise.....after all, this is a yoga website. Moksha yoga has helped many people get into shape very quickly. The heat is great for detoxification and of course there are certain postures which isolate the glutes and thighs which is where most of us carry our cellulite.
Wishing everyone a fun and cellulite-free Summer!
I am available for individual consultations for $75.
Nadia Hrkac R.H.N.
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
416.516.4666
nadia.hrkac@gmail.com
click here to read other Nutrition News articles
Over the last few months, Moksha Yoga Downtown has played an important role founding a non-profit organization that will work to make yoga accessible in under-serviced communities. The New Leaf Yoga Foundation has been created by Laura Sygrove (Moksha instructor) and Jess Robertson (co-founder of Moksha Yoga) with the belief that yoga can be accessible to all.
So many of us have experienced what a powerful tool yoga can be in creating a more peaceful, happy life. But many people have neither the resources or the exposure to find yoga at all. The goal of NLYF is to encourage individuals to turn over a new leaf in life through the practices of yoga and meditation. By fostering a commitment to nonviolent, compassionate engagement with themselves and with others these individuals may find more confidence in their ability to live a safe and healthy life.
New Leaf will start by teaching yoga to at risk and incarcerated youth, and in the future the organization will expand to make these practices available to other communities of at-risk persons, including people living in shelters, recovering from addictions and living in poverty.
Moksha Yoga Downtown will donate a portion of our monthly Karma funds to New Leaf Yoga, and will take part in other educational and fundraising endeavors throughout the course of the coming year. So when you come to Karma classes, YOU are helping create change within our communities! If you have a special interest in getting involved further, please email info@newleafyoga.org.
Thanks for being part of the community that is making all of this happen! For more information, take a look at www.newleafyoga.org.
New Leaf Yoga Foundation: Inspiring change one yoga mat at a time.
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