No-Bake Date Peanut Butter Balls

Dates and peanut butter is one of my most favourite combinations for smoothies, so I thought that the duo would make some delicious bite-sized treats.

I was right.

It is hard to even call this a recipe, they are so easy to make. When you are looking for something sweet, these really hit the spot.  They also happen to be vegan and gluten free.  A winning combination in my books.

I wanted to add some powder to amp up the protein content, but I only have cookies and cream protein powder and I didn't think that flavour combo would work. Next time for sure.

Give them a try and let me know what you think!

Guest Post: Healthy Steps for a Gentle Cleanse,Part 2

Welcome back to Arja Pennanen Lytle from Balance Body and Soul Nutrition who is going to offer 11 steps that will help you cleanse the body naturally.  Take it away, Arja!

Follow the guidelines below for 10-14 days and reintroduce eliminated foods slowly to make sure that your body doesn’t react negatively to them.

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Guest Post: Healthy Steps for a Gentle Cleanse,Part 1

January is the time of year when we want to start fresh.  This may include giving our menu a makeover to help clean up our insides.  I have enlisted my good friend and Holistic Nutritionist, Arja Pennanen Lytle from Balance Body and Soul Nutrition to offer her tips on how to embark on a cleanse that is healthy for your mind and body.

Hi there!  My name is Arja Pennanen Lytle and I’m a Holistic Nutritionist based in Toronto, Ontario.  I’m excited that Tracy asked me to be a guest on her blog today!  I can usually be found sharing information about health and wellness, along with some yummy recipes, over at Balance Body and Soul Nutrition.

Now that we are a few weeks into the New Year, you’ve probably seen a lot of information about detoxing.  Your friends on Facebook are doing it, magazine articles are telling you to do it, and your Twitter feed is filled with links to articles and blog posts about people who are doing it.  

Before you run out to your nearest health food store and grab the first box you see that promises to improve your liver and digestive system, let’s talk about why you might think you need a detox or cleanse.  Your body might be trying to tell you that it needs some support and a break.  Have you been experiencing any of the following symptoms lately?

• Indigestion, gas or bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Acne
• Water retention
• Fatigue

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Move of the Month: Plow Pose

What better way to beat the Monday blues than with a little bit of yoga.  I chose the Plow for this month's move as I am really loving inverted poses lately.

Truthfully, I used to avoid them like the plague as I wasn't very good at inversions. I have since embraced them, as I realized that there was no possible way I could ever improve my practice if I didn't tackle the poses that I found challenging.

Practicing the Plow Pose offers a long list of benefits including:

• Stretching the shoulders and spine
• Reducing stress
• Calming the mind

As with any other exercise, check with your doc before you begin and keep the following in mind:

• Avoid this pose if your suffer from any neck injuries, have high blood pressure, are menstruating or are pregnant and new to practice.
• Choose whichever modification of the pose you feel most comfortable doing.  Always listen to your body.
• If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop. 

Friday Favourites: Running Essentials

I went out for my first run this week in what seems like months.  It felt awesome.  I fall in and out of love with running and an extended break is just what I needed to get the passion back.

As I was putting on my many layers of clothes and getting ready to head out, I realized that there are a few other things that I need to have with me to make my run a great one.

So, today I share with some of my favourite outdoor running essentials.

Passport to Prana: Leewi Yoga

I haven't used my Passport to Prana since the fall and last Sunday I thought it was high time I got back into the yoga game.

We decided to take a 75 minute Hot Fusion Flow class at Leewi Yoga in Mississauga.

Inspiration Board 2012

Happy Monday, friends!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

I spent mine working on a little project that is a few weeks overdue.  :)

Friday Favourites: Fitness DVDs

We finally got some snow today.  Just a light dusting, but I am sure there is more to come.

As you know, I do most of my workouts at home (with the exception of teaching classes and heading outdoors for a walk or run).  I have done reviews on Turbo Fire and P90X, but I thought I would share with you a few of my other favourite exercise DVDs (both of them under $20, bonus!)

3 Ways to Deal with Your Worries

I am a worrier. 

I have been since I was a little kid.  My Mom used to tease me and say I would worry if I didn't have anything to worry about.

As an adult, I'd like to think that I am able to better deal with worries. This is not to say that I don't ever worry about anything, rather I have found ways to put most my fears in perspective.

Keeping your worries in check is a good thing, as it can negatively affect your health by causing anxiety which could lead to:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Muscle aches and tension
• Fatigue
• And much more!

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Here are a few tips to help you deal with your worries.

Friday Favourites: Bloggers with Healthy Goals

TGIF!

I am still fighting of the cold that just won't quit and looking forward to get some much needed rest this weekend. (It will also give me time to finally finish my Inspiration Board :)

In honour of many resolutions this time of year to get healthy, I thought I would go back to the roots of Friday Favourites and talk about a few amazing bloggers who have inspired me with their stories about getting and staying fit!

Different Ways to Set Your Goals

Happy New Year!

I know I am a few days late, but I have been fighting off a nasty cold.  I am feeling much better, but the sniffles just seem to want to linger on. :)

As a result, my Inspiration Board is not quite ready yet.  However, I'm not going to leave you empty handed today.  Before the big reveal, I wanted to talk about goals in general.

Now, I think that you can and should set goals at anytime of the year.  However, if the start of a new year is your motivation to make positive changes, I am all for it.

Many of you know, I have changed my approach to goal setting.  In a nutshell, I think everyone need to find their own way.  Some people need to write everything down and meticulously plan every task 6 months in advance.  While others may approach what needs to be done week by week, even day by day.