>Heyyyy,
Happy hump day 😉 I feel like it’s been so long! Here are some highlights from the last few days:
1) I rediscovered Bikram:
For those of you not familar with Bikram yoga (or Hot yoga as many people call it), it’s a series of 26 sequential poses, each repeated twice in a room warmer than 105 degrees with 40% humidity. The heat allows you to work your muscles/joints/tendons for the entire 90 mins rather than needing half the class to ‘warm-up’.
Some more info about Bikram Yoga: “Blood circulation is affected immensely during Bikram Yoga because of two processes called extension and compression. These two dynamics are said to work together to deliver fresh oxygen to every joint, muscle, and organ within the human body. While performing a specific asana (pose), the body is stretching or compressing a certain part of the body, thus cutting off circulation temporarily. This restriction of circulation causes the heart to pump more blood in reaction to the shortage. The pumping of excess, fresh blood is called extension. Once the asana is complete and the individual comes out of the posture, the new oxygenated blood is able to rejuvenate the arteries that were being compressed. Because of the volume change and influx of fresh blood, it is said that infection, bacteria, and toxins can be released through this process” Source
What I can say is, Bikram Yoga has improved my life in every way. During marathon training I was always prone to injuries (ITBS, plantar facitis). However, since doing Bikram 2-3X week, I have been injury free. I had take a break earlier this year when I wasn’t running high milage. Now that I’m averaging 35 miles per week in addition to cycling, I need Bikram more than ever.
I’ve been twice this week (!) I can’t tell you how much better I feel, physically and mentally. If you decide to try it, please remember to drink lots of water that day (before, during, and after), dress light, and try it at least 3 times before you decide whether you like it or not. The heat can take a while to get used to. Tell your studio you are new and they can give you more new member info.
Next on the list….
2) I’ve found a new favorite breakfast. It’s quick, nutritious, and deeeeeelish!
1 pack instant plain oatmeal (or multi-grain), 1/2 – 1 banana microwaved (so it turns mushy), 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (I use Designer Whey brand), 1 tsp cinammon, 1-2 tbsp raisins, 1 tsp PB (or almond butter), stevia to taste.
^^Important note: If making the oatmeal in the microwave, add the ingredients after. The protein turns a very strange consistency when microwaved.
The best part? It can be made on the run. Last night I prepared this baggy (Sorry it’s not what you think! ha):
All I did was add hot water to the oatmeal then stir in the goods. Warm, filling, and scrumptious.
My favorites:
Stevia…aka magic. An all natural zero-calorie sweetner. Check out how many servings there are!
Trader Joe’s Oatmeal (7 grams of soy protein):
Better N’ Butter. Tastes maple heaven.
And check out those stats!
Next on the list………
3. Taco salad and skinny margarita night:
^^Lean ground turkey sauteed in diced onions and au natural taco seasoning, topped over diced iceberg lettuce, corn, black beans, avacados, tomatoes, and our dressing secret!
Dip/dressing: This one is a keeper: Mix 2 parts greek yogurt with 1 part chipolte salsa, 1 tbsp red chili powder, 1tsp cumin. Healthy and AMAZING.
Top all of that with some lite Mexican blend cheese and whole grain tortilla chips. Voila!
Definitely one if my favorite roomie dinners. Close call with magic though 🙂
4) Waking up to this winter wonderland:
Although it’s pretty much melted now it was a quite beautiful commute to lab.
5) And a not so happy event:
My poor delicious lunch (shrimp, curry, veggies, beans, brown rice) went ka–poot on the floor when I grabbed it this morning. Aaaaah well. You win some, you lose some….ha!
Have a great night!
Lauren
^1 scoop vanilla whey, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 banana, 1/4 cup frozen pineapple, handful spinach, 1 tsp. flax seed oil, cold H20, ice, stevia.
^Pre-made smoothies. Naked’s new smoothies made with coconut water have 1/3 less calories. Coconut water is very good in the summer as it supplies electrolytes and more potassium than a banana!
^Spiralized raw zucchini topped with diced tofu, cherry tomatoes, carrots, sea-salted peanuts, Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette, and red pepper flakes. This is a PERSONAL FAV!
^4th of July bonfire in Cape Cod
Biochemista 
