We’ve all heard of yoga… but what is it really? As a Yoga Instructor, I have heard every excuse not to try it. Most reasons are out of fear or just not being well-informed. The last thing that a new participant wants is to be singled out in class for not being able to touch their toes, put their foot behind their head, or worse, they get hurt! Therefore, they don’t even try the class, and unfortunately miss out on the wonderful effects yoga has. I am here to calm your fears and inform you of the truth behind “Yoga.”

Yoga Misconceptions:

• You must be flexible and fit to do yoga. – People have told me they can’t do yoga because they are not flexible. If you think you’re not flexible, then you especially need yoga! It is those that are inexperienced and inflexible that actually make the most progress and see quicker results.

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8 Appetite-Suppressing Foods

Last month I wrote about “Boosting your Metabolism.” Most everyone wants to lose weight. If you’re like most people, conquering your appetite is one of the biggest challenges you face in your fitness and weight loss journey. As soon as the word “diet” crosses your lips, you may find yourself craving all the junk you know you’re not supposed to eat. The secret is eating the right foods to help calm the cravings for the wrong ones. Adding these eight easy-to-find, tasty foods to your meal plan can help you rein in your appetite before it gets out of control!

1. Oatmeal. This hot cereal is high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, which means it fills you up and takes a long time to digest. Research has shown that diets high in slow-burning carbohydrates like oatmeal suppress the hunger hormone grehlin more effectively than diets high in fat. In fact, when you eat oatmeal for breakfast, you may find that your appetite is lower at lunchtime. Steel-cut or rolled oats digest more slowly than the “instant” variety do, so it’s worth taking a few extra minutes in the morning to prepare your breakfast the old-fashioned way.
2. Apples. Not only are apples nutritious, but what sets them apart from other fruits is pectin, a soluble fiber that helps regulate blood sugar, keeps you full and sustains your energy. One medium apple with skin contains 4 grams of fiber, which is more than you’d get in an average slice of whole wheat bread. Add an apple and some cinnamon to your morning oatmeal for an appetite-suppressing breakfast.

Click here to read the rest of this story in Our Wonderful World Magazine.