Work It Wednesday

“Exercises that Benefit Your Gut”

There is a saying in yoga: When you can control your breath, you can control everything.

Alright, so I am not doing so well on the regular posting thing.  All I can do is try to keep up with my rigorous schedule.  Since stress is bad for your digestive health, I am trying to keep my perfectionist side in check.  If I don’t get a chance during the day because I am entertaining my 3 little ones, then I don’t get a chance, right??  I hope you understand.

Anyhoo… today is “Work it Wednesday” and there is nothing better than the belly than taking deep breaths through out the day, every day.  Your body needs a good healthy supply of oxygen in order to function correctly.  I was healthiest when I played the flute everyday because I religiously had to practice controlling my breath.  If you already have a breathing routine, that’s great (and I am not talking about the breathing you automatically do to live here).  Stick with it.  I am going to use Dr. Weil’s breathing techniques this time around. 

I particularly recommend the 4-7-8 relaxing breath.  It calms me in times of stress and it helps me get to sleep at night.  I have been trying to do it a few times a day, just to regain focus, gather a little more energy, and get “Serenity Now!” (note Seinfeld reference here.  One of my fav episodes!)  Check out how to properly do it here. 

There are many types of breathing techniques out there.  I also like the breathing techniques taught through yoga (pranayama).  Check out the before mentioned link and got to the alternate nostril breath.  I love that because I can physically do something that focuses me on my breath (holding my nostril closed).  I have no clue why but holding that one nostril with a finger makes me more connected with my breath.  Just don’t be distracted by laughing husbands who think you have gone to the Cuckoo Farm because you are sitting alone in a room holding your nostril closed.

So, this is an easy exercise to start with!  Just Breathe, Relax, and Love Thy Gut”!  That is my 11th Commandment to follow by the way…Love Thy Gut. 

Meditative Monday

“Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”

~Hippocrates

“Sizzlin’ Saturday”

IBS Friendly Recipes

 Since I love desserts/pastries and it’s blueberry season, I found this great coffee cake recipe that can also be served as a dessert.  The fine grinding of the nuts minimizes their insoluble fiber and the combination of cooking fruit and the soluble fiber makes it a safe bet for IBS bellies.

Makes 14-16 Servings

3/4 Cup Pecans, Finely Ground

1/2 Cup Packed Brown Sugar

1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg

1/3 Cup plus 3 Tablespoons all-purpose unbleached white flour

6 Large Organic Egg Whites

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

1/4 Cup Canola Oil

2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

2 Cups Fresh or Frozen Blueberries (if frozen do not thaw)

1/2 Teaspoon granulated Sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Spray a 10 inch nonstick springform pan with cooking oil and set aside.  In a medium bowl whisk together pecans, brwon sugar, nutmeg, and flour until well combined.  In a large bowl beat egg whites with salt until they just hold stiff peaks and fold in nut mixture gently but thoroughly.  Fold in oil and vanilla extract, and spread batter in prepared pan.  Arrange berries evenly over batter and sprinkle with granulated sugar.  Bake cake for 25-30 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.  Cool on rack.

“Fun Filled Friday”

Because Laughter is the Best Medicine

One of my favorite movie scenes of all times.  We quote it often at my house.  Watch and Laugh…