Thursday, September 25, 2014

My favorite lentil soup for Fall



I've had a couple requests for my favorite lentil soup, so here it is in all its glory.  Not only is this soup good for you, but it's inexpensive, delicious, and lasts for days.

Lively Up Yourself Lentil Soup
2 cups black beluga lentils (or green French lentils), picked over and rinsed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 cups water
3 cups of a big leafy green (chard, kale, etc), rinsed well, deveined, finely chopped
Saffron Yogurt
a pinch of saffron (30-40 threads)
1 tablespoon boiling water
two pinches of salt
1/2 cup 2% Greek Yogurt
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan, add the lentils, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
While the lentils are cooking, make the saffron yogurt by combining the saffron threads and boiling water in a tiny cup. Let the saffron steep for a few minutes. Now stir the saffron along with the liquid into the yogurt. Mix in the salt and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy soup pot over medium heat, then add the onion and salt and saute until tender, a couple minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, lentils, and water and continue cooking for a few more minutes, letting the soup come back up to a simmer. Stir in the chopped greens, and wait another minute. Taste and adjust the seasoning if need be. Ladle into bowls, and serve with a dollop of the saffron yogurt.
Serves 6 to 8.
Variations:
- You can serve it with a poached egg on top,
- or crunchy, fried shallots,
- with a drizzle of chive infused cream,
- or with chunks of tiny pan-fried butternut squash cubes.
- Make a thicker version by using just a bit of water, and then spoon it over an omelette in the morning.
- Have some cooked farro or wheat berries around? Toss some in. Millet might be good too.
- You can finish the soup by adding your favorite spices or spice blends. Smoked paprika, crushed chiles, toasted cumin, would all work nicely.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Monday, September 22, 2014

Energy and Intent


My new daily affirmation to align my energy and intent:

The light of higher levels fills every cell of my body.
I create, I manifest this alchemical process.
I am the sole creator of my destiny.
I am the light that fills the space.  
I am an awesome, powerful, and radiant being of light worthy of this love and 
worthy of being loved on this high level.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Authenticity baby!

Put up your heating pad and get moving!



Fascinating article this morning from NPR news:

Farewell, Heating Pad: Physical Therapists say it doesn't help

Heat therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and other "passive physical agents" almost never help, according to a list released Monday by the Choosing Wisely campaign. Instead, they siphon time and money away from what you really want from a physical therapist — an exercise program that will restore strength and mobility.

Moral of the story time - next time your back or neck or anything hurts and you just feel like staying at home to rest it on the couch…DON'T.  Stop in to Urbancore for a class or private session instead.  Keep yourself young, agile, pain-free, and happy with PILATES!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Fill Yourself With Light!

Just finished a Qigong/Neigong workshop in Terre Haute this wknd with internationally rebound instructor Michael Lomax.  I can't speak strongly enough about the importance of cultivating your own personal energetics in accordance with the light!

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Corkscrew!


Done correctly (the reformer and magic circle are optional), corkscrew can really blast the obliques. Keep it slow and make your number one priority to stay in a neutral spine as you come through center (no arched back).

Monday, September 8, 2014

Pain Free Neck and Shoulders!

Check out our You Tube video on 3 simple exercises you can do to achieve Pain Free Neck & Shoulders!

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

End of summer, Chicago-style


Remember last winter? Neither do I. Just a reminder to bask in our recent high temps, for they are fleeting! Take a sweaty walk or jog and kiss summer adios.