Energy Flow Workshop

Today I faced a big fear and a big bucket list (aka vision board) checkoff. I taught my first workshop for my very own fitness philosophy. Gulp! I absolutely love teaching classes, but teaching to a new group of people (some of whom are teachers) is always bit nerve wracking. On top of that, when you teach something you are passionate about or that you have in part created, it bumps the anxiety up a few notches. Today, I handled it by preparing and studying. I find that I usually follow the “wing-it” philosophy, and I always have. This usually leads to a near panic attack when I realize, “oh crap, I should have prepared more!”  Today though, I prepared, I studied, and I calmed any nerves I may have had.

For those of you who were able to make it to my workshop, thank you so very much. And for those of you who were unable to make it, here are the highlights of the workshop.  We talked a little beforehand about the basics of my Energy Flow concept, followed by an hour long class, and then an energetic food and lifestyle talk.

Here is the handout from the post-class portion of the workshop:

Energy Flow is a workout with a mindful approach and intention. By bringing awareness to the body, you can exercise more efficiently, to increase energy, rather than deplete it. In Energy Flow, we use a Yogic approach to fuse yoga, pilates, barre, aerobics, and sports-conditioning for an energizing, opening, and fun workout!

5 ways to Improve Energy:

1)      Take 5 minutes for relaxation/meditation

2)      Hydrate! Add more water (with lemon), coconut water, and green juices. For hot drinks, try herbal tea or hot water with lemon.

3)      Keep caffeine to a minimum as it dehydrates you and the “energetic” effects only last for a brief amount of time. Try switching to green tea or Yerba Mate for a steady, slow caffeinated “buzz”.

4)      Add more unprocessed foods to slowly eliminate the pre-packaged/processed ones. Incorporate more whole grains (rice, quinoa, millet, amaranth), leafy greens, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

5)      Exercise! Exercising will actually increase your energy levels, giving you more energy and focus throughout your day.

Energy Foods:

–          Juices and smoothies: Juices and smoothies break down the fibers in fruits and vegetables, allowing you to consume more of them at once. It also helps to break down the fibers and release the digestive enzymes into your blood stream at a faster rate, so you are better able to absorb the nutrients.  Stick with green juices and smoothies, or a 3:1 (vegetables to fruits) ratio for maximum benefits.

–          Dark leafy greens: these are nutrient powerhouses. Dark leafy greens have more nutrients per bite than any other vegetable. They are also packed with chlorophyll, which is also known as “the sun’s energy”. The greener the plant, the more chlorophyll it has absorbed.

–          Unprocessed foods: shoot for a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. These are foods that are true to nature and have optimal nutrition levels. When you switch to whole foods, you incorporate more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Whole foods offer more flavor and are usually more filling, which means you can start to stop calorie counting and learn to become aware of your bodies signals. This brings a positive outlook to eating – you can actually enjoy meals without any guilt!

–          Supplements: Maca root powder, spirulina, and chlorophyll are all known for their energizing qualities. Add any of these to your juices and smoothies for an extra boost.

During the post workshop talk, we enjoyed some Cookie Dough Energy Bites. At the request of the attendees, here is the recipe.

Cookie Dough Energy Bites

These cookie dough bites are adapted from the Chocolate Dipped Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls at Oh She Glows. They are no bake, gluten free, vegan, and absolutely deliciously guilt-free.

2/3 cup cashews

¾ cup oats (for gluten free, use certified GF oats)

Pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt

7 pitted dates, chopped

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

4 tbsp agave nectar

1 tbsp molasses

3-4 tbsp dark chocolate (chips or chunks)

Mix cashews and oats together in a food processor. Combine until flour-like in texture.  Add salt and dates, mix for 1 minute. Add vanilla, agave, and molasses. Mix until the dough becomes sticky and almost combined together. Add in chocolate and process for 10 seconds. Scoop with hands and roll into small dough balls. Place on a greased tray or parchment paper. Place in freezer for one hour and enjoy!

I paired mine with some trader Joe’s Soy Creamy vanilla ice cream this evening…oh my it was delicious.

For more information or questions, leave a comment below!

Peace, love, and energy,

Jessi