Change your LIFE!

So I am all about becoming better, refreshed, and renewed with each day and the experiences that it may bring or the aftermath I am left with. Yesterday I experienced an amazing partner yoga class with all of my co-workers, although they are really my family! The experience of being in a room filled with so much compassion a willingness to elevate this world warmed my heart. For those of you unaware, I work for the best company in the world, lululemon athletica! http://www.lululemonathletica.com/

Today, I came across an article that caught my eye. It was titled "5 Questions That Could Change Your Life." The first question I want you to ask yourself is -What's one thing you could stop doing today that would have the most positive impact in your life?

The Second question I want you to ask yourself is - What's one thing that your could start doing today that would have the most impact in your life?

Asking the question - "What's one thing I could stop doing" gives you the opportunity to challenge ritualized routines and habits you may want to leave  behind on your path to a more fulfilling life. It helps you find the energy that is being drained from your life and eliminate them or work to lessen them, leaving you feeling lighter, happier and more excited about the future!

Yoga. The main pathway in my life that has lead me to extreme self reflection. When is the last time you have listened to your body actually breathe? I encourage you to try it! How amazing it is that the body never makes mistakes!? Your lungs never forget to inhale...exhale. Your heart never misses a beat. Try to relate this towards how you can regulate your life relating back to these two questions.

Cooking. My other pathway to freedom in relaxation! Cooking is so personal, so adventurous and healthy (well, most of the time). I encourage you to try a new recipe you have always wanted to and make it your own. This might be something you can add in to better your life one small step at a time!

Here is an amazing recipe that happens to be full of energy and flavors!

Fruit and Nut Energy Bites

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup whole-grain all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
• 1/8 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups toasted walnuts (can also use pecans, hazelnuts or almonds), chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
• 12 dates (approx 1 cup chopped dates), pits removed and chopped (or figs, and/or prunes)
• 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
• 1 tbsp almond milk
• 1/2 tsp 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions: Preheat oven to 325F. Line a square pan (8 or 9 inch) with parchment paper across both sides for easy lifting. In a small bowl mix together the flax egg and set aside.

Chop and toast the walnuts for 8-9 minutes at 325F. Remove from oven and set aside. Toasting the nuts really brings out the flavour so you don’t want to skip this step.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the walnuts and dried fruit. Make sure the nuts and dried fruit are all coated with the flour mixture.

My chopped fruit: cranberries, dates and dried cherries.

Lulu checking it out!

Mix the vanilla into the flax egg after it has thickened up after about 10 minutes.

Add the flax egg mixture and the 1 tbsp almond milk to the fruit and nut mixture and mix well.

Spread into the pan, pressing with fingers to even it out. I used the palm of my hand to spread it evenly.

Bake for about 33-35 minutes at 325For until golden in colour. Remove from pan and allow to cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Now transfer back into the pan and place in freezer to set for 10 minutes.

Remove from pan once again and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Now slice the bites up with a sharp knife. Makes 16-20 bites depending on how large you make them. I made them smaller as they are very dense energy wise

Enjoy!