Tuesday, January 29, 2013

DETOX Tip of the Day: IT'S THE SAVOY, NEED WE SAY MORE?

DETOX Tip of the Day: IT'S THE SAVOY, NEED WE SAY MORE?
We just learned here a new word: «SAVOY» as in the Hotels or the area surrounding Geneva…
In our case, yet we learned that Savoy is the designation for «Chou frisé», so the cabbage as depicted.

A typical winter vegetable, the Savoy cabbage is one of the healthiest foods around; it is very low in calories, and contains no fat or cholesterol. A great source of dietary fiber, and protein. it contains also tons of vitamins and minerals, such as: Thiamine (B-1), folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, manganese, calcium, copper, phosphorous, and copper. They are also an excellent source of both Vitamins K and C. We appreciate the tremendous antioxidant and disease combating properties, but particularly like the savoy type over the other cabbages, as it is a milder and sweeter alternative to the red or green cabbage.

While we like to prepare most veggies in their raw form, here's a quick and dirty, ahem clean…, receipe for these cold and long winterdays:

For 4 friends:
· 1 head of Savoy Cabbage
· 1 shallot
· 1/4L Almond milk
· Saffron
· Raisins
· Pine nuts

Sauté in the pan the chopped Savoy and the shallot.
Flip it frequently so it does not stick.
Deglaze with the almond milk.
Pour 2-3 portions of saffron in.
Right before serving add the raisins and the pine nuts for a the last minute.

Depending on your preferences you may want to sauté the Pine nuts for two minutes in a separate pan, they will "sweat", become tender, yet crisp.
Enjoy

PS: Probably some of the technical wording for cooking is off. (to sauté something…? deglaze…?) Please feel free to correct us.
To complete your detox program, here is the schedule for yoga classes in Geneva at INNERCITYOGA
http://www.innercityoga.com/


Monday, January 28, 2013

DETOX Tip of the Day: CHOP! CHOP!

DETOX Tip of the Day: CHOP! CHOP!
One of the reasons we take on calories is the way we are not aware of our foods; if you happen to be savour your lunch over lively discussion or reading a book - or even say, reading this post during your lunchbreak at work… - the brain has not time enough to digest. Basically, your dish gets shovelled in and you do not realize when you start feeling full.
While on the other hand we are not suggesting not to speak anymore at table, a great way to focus on your food is to use chopsticks.
Particularly if you are less trained using the chopsticks, you will considerably slow down the pace at which you devour your food.
We even know of some folks eating their salad with chopsticks…
Use them for every food - but keep your manners !
Bon appétit

To complete your detox program, here is the schedule for yoga classes in Geneva at INNERCITYOGA
http://www.innercityoga.com/

Thursday, January 24, 2013

DETOX Tip of the Day: SOUPED UP

DETOX Tip of the Day: SOUPED UP
It's kind of cold outside and you probably opt for a nice warm bowl of soup.
Yet, did you realize that often soups you bought are hard(er) to digest? Often there is tons of cream in the freshly made ones and a lot of sodium, glutamate and tons of preservatives in the canned ones.

How about making yourself in less than 20 minutes a yummy soup you can trust?
Preparation time: 10 min. Cooking time: 8 min.
As shown on the picture, here is enough soup for 4 people:
· 2 fennels
· 2-3 large carrots
· 1 large slice of pumpkin
· 1 bunch of celery
· 2 turnips (navet)
· bouillon - we like the organic veggie variant
· 1 bunch of Flat Parsley
· Turmeric (Curcuma)
· Pepper

Chop all veggies in small pieces 1cm x 1cm (1/2 inch)
Pour the veggies into boiling water together with the bouillon
Cook it for 8 minutes - the veggies will still have some bite; for this recipe we have chosen vegetables with similar texture, so you can throw everthing in together.
Put the Parsley in only when serving the soup, as cooking it robs it of the benefits of its volatile oils and flavonoids.
Bon appétit!

PS: This is a very light soup - if you would like to, ahem have the feeling you cannot survive on it, add one or two chopped sweet potato(es).

all details about yoga schedule and upcoming events on http://www.innercityoga.com/

DETOX Tip of the Day: TURMERIC (français CURCUMA)

DETOX Tip of the Day: TURMERIC (français CURCUMA)
Your liver is the largest and one of the most important organs inside your body. It is responsible for converting food to energy; cleaning toxins from your blood; and producing bile, a liquid that aids digestion.

Comes in Turmeric: this root has long been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine. Historically called "Indian saffron" because of its deep yellow-orange color and has been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye, it is most commonly used in curries.

Turemeric is known for its liver-protective effects. Curcumin has also been recognized for its anti-inflammatory, anticancerous and antioxidative effects. Studies show that Turmerci (or Curucmin) is effective in treating patients with chronic pancreatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory eye and bowel diseases, hyperlipidemia, psoriasis and cancers.

Use it to sprinkle the spice over your dishes, soups - and our preferred use: sprinkle it over slightly steamed cauliflower…
On the other hand we need to point out that overstimulating the liver in its detoxifxing process increases the bile production - people with history of gallstones should take in only tiny amounts…
And folks - remember - moderation is key!

all details about yoga schedule and upcoming events on http://www.innercityoga.com/

Sunday, January 20, 2013

DETOX Tip of the Day: GO FRESH, GO MARKET

DETOX Tip of the Day: GO FRESH, GO MARKET
Did you realize we live in the land of plenty? In the age of the global interconnectedness everything is at our fingertips, entire months' worth of groceries delivered the next day. Yes this saves a lot of time - yet, sometimes it is nice to step outside our comfort zone, meaning, move your behind into the cold, breathe consciously, embrace the fresh, prickly air. Go to the Farmers' market, handpick some fresh produce and try something new, explore, have fun. And above all, do not hesitate to ask questions: Most merchants will happily answer you everything about the seasonal plants, how to prepare or even share their favorite recipes with you! Particularly when they do have time on their hands on a cold morning.
On Sundays, check out the market at Plainpalais, you will have plenty of time to do so and still attend your regular sunday yoga class at 11.00 at INNERCITYOGA
All markets are listed here: http://www.ville-geneve.ch/marches-ville-geneve/calendrier-marches/

Yoga on Sunday 20 january at INNERCITYOGA
detox flow w. Patric

all details on http://www.innercityoga.com

Saturday, January 19, 2013

DETOX Tip of the Day: TAPAS…

DETOX Tip of the Day: TAPAS…
You probably have heard our jokes about the yoga students we see on our way home after teaching in the city's winebars (and who did not take class on that day) …
We like to say, come first to your yoga class to detox, then go out to retox ; )

In this context, we would like to bring up the sanskrit word TAPAS, which may be translated as «heat»,  «perseverance» or «austerity».
Here is a nice explanation found on wikipedia: «…In the yogic tradition, tapasyā may be translated as "essential energy", referring to a focused effort leading towards bodily purification and spiritual enlightenment. It is one of the Niyamas (observances of self-control) described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Tapasya implies a self-discipline or austerity willingly expended both in restraining physical urges and in actively pursuing a higher purpose in life. Through tapas, a yogi or spiritual seeker can "burn off" or prevent accumulation of negative energies, clearing a path toward spiritual evolution. »

Hence, we do invite you to embrace the inner heat you do create in our yoga classes, and enjoy the results, giving you perseverance, strength and obviously helping to burn off those tiny calories…
The great thing is that it does not involve any headache like after a typical tapas & vino night out…

Enjoy your yoga classes at INNERCITYOGA
saturday 19 jan. 10.30 hatha w. Frank
sunday 20 jan. 11.00 detox flow w. Patric

all details on http://www.innercityoga.com

Friday, January 18, 2013

DETOX Tip of the Day: TU ME FAIS CHIA !

DETOX Tip of the Day: TU ME FAIS CHIA !
Did you ever hear of CHIA seeds?
Chia seed is traditionally consumed in Mexico, and central american states but is not yet widely known in Europe.
Here is why you should give Chia seeds a try: they are very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, since the seeds yield 25–30% extractable oil, including α-linolenic acid (ALA).
While on a general note, you may want to cut out fat from your diet, not all fats are unhealthy; those Omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, dementia, cancer and arthritis.
Typically found in salmon, walnuts and dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, Chia seeds actually contain more Omega-3 than all the other contenders!

- Chia seeds contain 25-30% Omega 3 ALA (α-linolenic acid), making it a super food for the brain and heart. Chia offers 7 times more Omega 3 than salmon (this depends whether it is wild salmon or farmed one), as well as 4 times more Phosphorus! (Comparison for 1 oz., 28 grams)
- It is super high in dietary fibre, making it great for digestion and healing digestion issues.
- It boasts 20% protein; however it seems that the protein intake is relatively low compared to other foods and works best only when used as a flour.
- Chia is gluten free

How much Chia should you eat?
Nutritionists recommend that 15g (one tablespoon) of chia is consumed each day.
Be sure to drink plenty of water as chia is very high in fiber.
We normally include the seeds in a smoothie…

Yoga on Friday at INNERCITYOGA
11.00 prenatal w. Ioana (drop-ins welcome)
12.30 yogabdo/powerflow w. Ioana
18.30 gentle yoga & meditation w. Frank

yoga schedule posted on www.innercityoga.com