ahhh only 9 more hours until summer vacation!!!!!!!
I’m SO ready! I just have to get through this workday, race home and pick up Dexter, then head out to Tampa. I’m having dinner with my mom tonight (shes cooking) and then tomorrow, after getting my hair done of course, Ryan and I are setting out on our journey to the mountains. We aren’t leaving until about 4 tomorrow though so it is going to be one of those things where we don’t arrive until 3 am, but I’m driving the first half and he’s doing the second half so we can break it up a little bit. They say you really don’t know a person until you travel with them, and since Ryan and I have traveled down the entire country of France together (after getting on the wrong train going in the wrong direction. long story), I think we are good. I’ll bring a snack bag and hopefully the time will go by quickly!
As for this morning, I woke up and did another 30 minute yoga session. This time choosing the “lunchtime power flow”. It was also really good and definitely woke my body up with all the chatarungas and back bends. I have found over the last two days of doing this that I am totally fine without having a pre-workout snack in the morning since you are supposed to practice yoga on an empty stomach anyways.
When I was done, however, I was quite ready for breakfast and made an english muffin with almond butter and jam. I only ate half of that banana, saving the other half in the freezer for a smoothie sometime. I was pretty full and rather than just stuffing it in since it was on my plate, I tried to eat intuitively and save it.
Lunch is a mish-mosh of things today. A yogurt, about 1/4th cup of hummus, a couple olives and cornichons, some cherries and the last chunk of my baguette. I love lunches like this. I was at a loss for a snack since I seem to be out of things I normally pack like pretzels, fruit, bars….so, I dug down deep in the whole foods snack bag and found this 100 calorie pack of tomato soup! Perfect! Soup feels more feeling because of the volume and I’m aways cold. This might be a great discovery! I also packed some almonds for a little crunch.
Dinner will be later tonight since I’m eating at home. I don’t know what my mom has planned yet but I will make sure to tune in later! Have a great day!
Melissa
July 1, 2008 at 12:30 pmJenna – question for you. It’s been great hearing your reviews on the Yoga downloads! I’d LOVE to try this but haven’t taken yoga before (have always wanted to though)…..a) do you think it’s something a beginner could follow? and b) how does it work? Do you watch the whole video on your iPod and workout with it playing on the small screen???
Have a great trip to the mountains!!! Please share LOTS of pics 🙂
Alison
July 1, 2008 at 1:00 pmHi, I just asked this question on Kath’s blog too so sorry for those who read both but I’m wondering if anyone has any sleeping tips. Lately I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to fall back to sleep. It’s so frustrating! And now when I do wake up during the night I immediately think, oh no, will I be able to fall back to sleep? Any tips would be much appreciated. Thanks!
jenna
July 1, 2008 at 1:04 pmMelissa,
as a beginner, I would more suggest going to an actual class where there is instruction so you can do the poses the right way from the get-go and not practice something wrong, which could happen if you have never done it before. A teacher could show you the proper way to do the poses and then when you feel comfortable you could do it on your own. With yogadownload, there is no picture on the screen of the ipod, only talking through the speakers. Thats why I think it is better suited to intermediate./advanced students because there is no visual of how the poses should be done.
arielle
July 1, 2008 at 1:15 pmI love that they make whole grain baguettes now.
Lauren
July 1, 2008 at 1:41 pmNicole R,
Yesterday, Jenna answered some yoga questions, and i was wondering your take on it too. the other day you mentioned yoga is your favorite thing too. Do you think it is necessary to do yoga in conjunction with weight training- bear in mind I have almost no strength and am not naturally muscular- so I can’t do the harder poses. Like both Jenna and you, I don’t particularly like weight training, but I really have no muscle. I would like to gain some muscle.
The new city I am moving to only offers bikram (sorry if my spelling is off), and quite frankly I find the 85 degree baptist yoga already to be very very hot. What are you feelings about bikram- it seems dangerously hot to me. Would I be better off doing a baptiste video?
Heather
July 1, 2008 at 2:13 pmI’m curious to hear if you like the soup- I just bought the carrot version…
Woohoo! Have fun on vacation 🙂
Every Gym's Nightmare
July 1, 2008 at 2:32 pmaw, i miss summer vacations. i still forget sometimes that i get no more summer vacations and will be working year round for the rest of my life.
that was depressing.
polly
July 1, 2008 at 2:39 pmI love all this yoga talk!
I think I told you guys that I teach yoga. I love it so much and I too am not naturally muscular at all. I was a runner, and more long limbs and no upper body strength! I think that yoga can totally take the place of weight training, even while you are still learining and modifying poses. (although if you love weight training, that’s good too!)
My body totally changed after doing. I looked different, but more importantly felt great. I have been teaching for about 3 years and do a lot of private sessions now along with my weekly group classes. My favorite DVD’s for beginners are Sara Ivanhoe (easy to follow) and she has a series of 20 minutes ones to get you going.
I’m not a fan of Bikram (I just experienced my first truly HOT yoga class) and it was just more of a “workout” feel and I felt almost sick afterwards. Everybody has to figure out what they like best, tho.
I am no expert, but am always learning and growing. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Jenna knows a lot about yoga and she has done a beautiful job answering questions! Jenna, love your attitude and your food pickin’s and happy blog. 🙂
erica
July 1, 2008 at 2:41 pmYay for vacation.. you definitely deserve it!
And I’m very, very intrigued by the yoga downloads.. lately, I’ve been pretty unmotivated to go to the gym, so these might be my saving grace.. thanks for the heads up!
NC_Runner
July 1, 2008 at 3:29 pmHi Jenna!
Great blog! Sorry if people have asked this already…but where did you get that mug?? I love it!
Happy Tuesday:)
Lauren
July 1, 2008 at 3:57 pmThanks polly! Your pre-yoga body shaped sounds similar to mine. I have very scrawny arms and would love to change that. I meet with a personal trainer a few times (really hated him!), but he said yoga wouldn’t be enough to build up my arms, that’s why I am concerned.
What type of yoga do you practice that helped you change your body? Did you start at a studio? How often would you recommend doing yoga?
Sorry for all the questions! There are so many articles about yoga, but it is so confusing!
Danielle
July 1, 2008 at 5:41 pmI was just catching up with your recent posts and I just have to thank you for sharing your wonderful philosophical thoughts with us. You have such a healthy and admirable relationship with yourself and food and I commend you for your honesty about your recent meat and dairy intake. I, too, am working hard to return my focus on eating for pleasure and listening to my inner body cues. It is things like that that always bring me back for more. Thanks again!
adria
July 1, 2008 at 5:53 pmsummer vaca… i can’t believe that yours starts today! i got out of schol mid-may. anyways, have fun in Tampa!
nicole r.
July 1, 2008 at 7:00 pmhi lauren–
i don’t really think weight training is totally essential to pair with yoga. i do weight train, but only in the form of the core fusion class that you find at exhale spa (its in ny, mass, tx, cali, and chicago…similar classes are lotte berk, physique 57, the barre method, etc…). actually, when i used to do weights at the gym, i wasn’t a QUARTER as strong as i am now. like jenna said, those chaturangas and arm balances kill you! like you and polly, upper body strength was always my downfall. i’ve been an equestrian since i was 6, so my legs and back were always abnormally strong, but my arms were pathetic. after doing yoga for about 7 years now, my body has totally changed and i can rock those forearm balances and flying crows with the best of them! woohoo!
in terms of yoga styles, i’m vinyasa girl myself. i also do baptiste-style hot power yoga, which i love. i don’t find the heat oppressive, and the studio where i go typically jacks the heat to 110 and higher! some people are really sensitive to this though and passing out or nausea is definitely a risk. i feel like if anyone is sensitive, i should be since i’m REALLY tiny haha. if you want to try it out, just don’t be afraid!! drink a liter or two of water before class, and drop a couple emergen-c packets into a liter bottle to drink during class. DO NOT eat before, you’ll feel sick. and always remember, it takes more strength to take a break during class and respect your body than it does to ignore it and try to prove anything to the rest of the class (who shouldn’t be watching you anyway!). i do not like bikram because i like dynamic classes where the pose sequences change every time. i like that element of surprise and unexpected-ness (not a word i know haha). in bikram, you always practice the same 26 poses. while i see the merit in that, i like not being able to predict the next pose i’ll do. i also enjoy classical astanga yoga. astanga is really the classic sequence of yoga poses–you’ll learn all 3 series (primary, intermediate, and advanced) as you progress, if you attend class at a studio oriented to teaching this style. you can find vinyasa at almost any studio. this style is breath-oriented, and is a flowing class. it’s essentially like astanga made into a flowing dance, if that makes sense. for a beginner like yourself, maybe try some astanga classes before you try vinyasa. also an option is hatha or kripalu-style yoga. these styles are much slower and slightly more restorative—perfect for beginners who would prefer not to start with more aggressive or yang yoga. they’ll teach you all the essential poses, and you’ll be well-prepared if you want to bump up your practice.
that was long. sorry about that, but i hope i helped!
Kelly L.
July 1, 2008 at 7:50 pmCONFESSION…
I am officially addicted to Z bars. No really, I am. I crave them after lunch. I usually have one as my post lunch sweet treat. I have been known to have one after dinner too. 🙂 It’s healthy ingredients, so I don’t fret about it. 😉
PB and Brownie flavors are the best.
Julz
July 1, 2008 at 8:06 pmJenna, I have to tell you that you totally turned me into a YOGA LOVER. I am finding that after (spending what felt like forever) having to really get in my head about “patience, breathing, extension, ujjayi breathing, hold it, hold it, hold it…” haha, I no longer experience the practice in the same way and now, I wake up, even do a 20 minute power yoga/”cardio” yoga video and I feel so fresh, rejuvenated and blissful. That’s the perfect word. I am at t.r.u.e. b.l.i.s.s. both during and ESPECIALLY after my yoga sessions. It’s become such a positive energy in my life, really. Thanks so much!!!
(PS) That soup “snack”… This is going to be stellar new epiphany, an awakening for us all 😉 Can’t wait to hear the results…
rebecca
July 1, 2008 at 8:06 pmhi guys!
So yoga. I did the one-off yoga class at a gym or on DVD before but just started going to some studios about once or twice a week … let me tell you I’ve been weight training for years and yoga kicks my butt. It’s like a totally different way of working the muscles. And my arms are so sore the next day!
But of all things it’s hardest for me to shut my mind off and focus inward … in a way that’s the toughest muscle of all!
polly
July 1, 2008 at 8:07 pmLauren,
Nicole R gave a great description of yoga and it’s many styles. I am an Anusara girl. I guess I love lots of styles but if I had to choose, that would be it. I used to teach a class called Yin-Yang yoga that combined the deep holding poses of yin with the flowing poses of yang. It was fun to teach. When I started practicing yoga, I went for vinyasa for the flow and speed and “workout” effect, but now that I’ve learned more about technique and how we can work really, really hard without the constant movement I love it even more! I love when I have students leave completely pooped yet energized with no heat or super fast flow, just good yoga that works from the inside out. 🙂 They are often suprised that yoga sneaks up on them with quivering muscles and balanced bodies and happy hearts. That’s my favorite.
As a beginner, I’d go to a hatha yoga or a level 1 class. Get to know your instructor. Just like with anything, if you like your teacher, you’ll love the class more. But that is coming from a teacher who loves the friendships and fun we can have in class more than anything! Keep going to classes in every style and you’ll find your niche, and then it might change the longer you do yoga! Mine did!
nicole r.
July 1, 2008 at 8:18 pmon that note—iyengar! i totally forogt! if you can find an iyengar class, take it! iyengar is all about precision, exactness, and position. they utilize props extensively so you know how exact positioning feels, and to help you ensure you’re in the perfect pose. this class is GREAT for everyone. i took a class for the first time last year, and it helped me so much. i love attending these classes because i feel like it gives me the chance to re-learn poses i thought i’d nailed. i think especially for a beginner, it would give you a wonderful edge because you learn the ideal posture from day 1.
Lauren
July 1, 2008 at 8:53 pmThank you all so much! I really appreciate your advice and information 🙂
I think my main problem was I tried yoga, did a few sessions and got frustrated I couldn’t do a lot of the poses. But you all have mentioned they have been practicing for years- so I think I just need more patience. And traditional gym buffs act as though yoga doesn’t count, so it’s confusing, but honestly I hate the gym, so I am going to give yoga a try again! Thanks for helping me sort it all out 🙂 Sorry for my rambling!
Meghan
July 1, 2008 at 10:14 pmI just finished the 60 min. power yoga 1 from yoga download. I’d done it before but every time I do it I’m so surprised by how much my legs KILL during some of the poses. It’s REALLY unexpected considering that I’m a runner, but I guess it’s just working a completely different set of muscles! I love it!
Now, onto a totally RANDOM topic…
Jenna (and whoever else!), what are some of your favorite dark chocolates? I generally love anything in the 65 – 77% range.
Lisa
July 1, 2008 at 10:25 pmOMG I LOVE Pacific brand soups, honestly cannot eat another store-bought brand after! Try the Red Pepper one, its my absolute favorite!
jenna
July 1, 2008 at 10:45 pmNC_Runner—
That mug was my roommates…I think she got it at home-goods? Maybe!
Sarah C
July 1, 2008 at 11:53 pmAlison,
I have trouble sleeping too! I actually got medicine perscribed for it, but after taking it once I was like, “no thank you!” It made me so groggy!
But I’ve gotten better now. Instead of sleeping on my stomach like I used to (which is so bad for your neck and back) I sleep on my back with only one small pillow under my head (kind of like corpse pose in yoga). I also try to clear my mind and take deep breaths until I fall asleep, and this technique has helped me tremendously!
kathleen
July 1, 2008 at 11:55 pmHi Blog Readers,
I was looking for suggestions on vegan and vegetarian cookbooks. I am looking to buy two as gifts…I personally love Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan and Veganomicon, but was looking for other suggestions.
Thanks!
lucy
July 2, 2008 at 12:28 amaren’t those soups great? my boyfriend and i take those to work all the time – in boston, they only make tomato and roasted red pepper in the small size. hopefully they give a better variety soon, they are tasty!
nicole r.
July 2, 2008 at 12:32 amlucy–
i go to school in boston, have you tried the whole foods @ symphony? they have a bunch of flavors of the small soups there! i think i saw more at shaws in copley too but i don’t go there very often so i forget..
nicole r.
July 2, 2008 at 12:35 amkathleen—
i really like heidi swanson’s super natural eating. she has a lot of really beautiful, out of the ordinary (not in the weird way that is scary to non-vegetarians…just things id never think of myself) dishes that are SO DELICIOUS. also mark bittman’s how to cook everything vegetarian is probably the veg BIBLE (in my opinion)