Yoga Post of the Day:  Head-to-Knee Forward Bend

This pose looks familiar and somewhat simple, but for a person with tight hamstrings (like myself) it can be a bit uncomfortable and challenging.  

For this pose, I had to do the modified easier variation which is using the band around my foot.  If you are more flexible, then the final step would actually be to reach farther and hold onto your wrist and try to make your back as flat as possible.

I had just finished up my 3 mile run, so this stretch was a perfect way to lengthen my hammies.

Benefits of this pose:  Opens the chest and lungs, stretches the calf, hamstring and lower back muscles, helps relieve menstrual and menopausal discomfort, improves digestion, increases circulation to the liver, kidneys and colon, alleviates fatigue and headache, strengthens the lower back.

10 Things All Women Need

Because I don’t go into work until this evening, I had the opportunity to watch the Today Show.  On the segment with Kathy Lee and Hoda they talked about 10 things every woman needs.  The list included

1. Great serving pieces
2. A beautiful throw
3. Personalized stationary
4. A signature scent
5. Personalized facial and beauty routine
6. An everyday tote
7. Cashmere sweater
8. Inexpensive Fall Jacket
9. Beautiful piece of lingerie
10. Party dress

• 1 Tbsp of Miracle Whip light
• Celery
• Red onion
• Red Pepper
• Salt and pepper

I then had my favorite side…fresh veggies.

• 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 3 eggs
• 3 Tbsp of applesauce
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp instant coffee
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 35o and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.  Place all ingredients in food processor except for the chocolate chips.

 Pulse until completely combined.  Pour the batter into the pan and top with chocolate chips.

Bake for 30 minutes.

**Allow to cool completely before cutting (don’t be too anxious like me) they will be crumbly, and the bottom of several brownies may stick to the pan in pieces…oops 😉

Brian totally forgot that there were black beans even in these brownies when he tried them, so trust me…they are good 🙂