Tag Archives: smoothie

What Breakfast to Have in Summer?

As the sun rises and the weather gets warmer, it’s time to revamp our breakfast routine to embrace the flavors of summer. A nourishing and refreshing morning meal is essential to fuel our bodies and minds for the day ahead.

Say goodbye to heavy and hearty breakfasts and say hello to delightful summer breakfast ideas that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the world. Let’s dive into a collection of mouthwatering recipes that celebrate the abundance of seasonal fruits, light and cool creations, and hydrating options to keep you cool all summer.

Iced and Refreshing Beverages

Cold Brew Coffee: Beat the heat with a refreshing black cold brew coffee. Serve it over ice with a splash of almond milk and a drizzle of honey for a smooth and satisfying coffee fix.

Iced Herbal Teas: Sip on iced herbal teas for a caffeine-free, hydrating option. Brew hibiscus, mint, orchamomile tea bags and let them cool in the fridge. Add a squeeze of lemon and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. These thirst-quenching teas are perfect for a laid-back summer morning.

Fresh and Fruity Delights

Smoothie Bowls: Start your summer mornings with a burst of tropical flavors in a smoothie bowl. Blend your favorite fruits like ripe mangoes, juicy pineapples, and sweet strawberries. Add coconut water or plain yogurt for a creamy texture. Top it off with sliced kiwi, chia seeds, and granola.

Fruit Salads: Elevate your regular fruit salad with zesty citrus flavors. Combine watermelon cubes, tangy oranges, and succulent blueberries. Drizzle honey and lime juice for a burst of freshness. This colorful medley will brighten your mornings and keep you hydrated.

Cool and Creamy Creations

Overnight Oats: Beat the morning rush with overnight oats. Layer rolled oats, almond milk, and a dollop of plain yogurt in a jar. Add a generous amount of sliced peaches, raspberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Seal the jar and leave it in the fridge overnight. Wake up to a ready-to-eat, cool, creamy breakfast that keeps you full until lunch.

Chia Seed Pudding: Indulge in a velvety chia seed pudding. Combine chia seeds with coconut milk and a hint of vanilla extract. Let it sit in the refrigerator overnight until it thickens. Top it with juicy pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, and a drizzle of honey. This delightful treat will satisfy your sweet tooth without weighing you down.

Light and Refreshing Options

Avocado Toast: Elevate the classic avocado toast by adding colorful vegetables. Mash ripe avocados onto whole-grain toast and layer it with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. A sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of lemon juice enhances the flavors, making this a light and nutritious breakfast option.

Greek Yogurt Parfaits: Create delicious and visually appealing yogurt parfaits—alternate layers of Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey. The creamy yogurt and sweet berries will be the perfect harmony of flavors to kickstart your day.

Grilled and Savory Delicacies

Grilled Vegetable Frittatas: Turn your favorite summer vegetables into a delectable frittata. Grill zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes until slightly charred. Whisk eggs and pour them over the grilled veggies. Bake until the frittata is golden and puffy. This savory delight is packed with nutrients and will satisfy you until your next meal.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagels: Elevate your bagel game with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on a toasted whole-grain bagel. Top it with luscious smoked salmon, thinly sliced red onions, and a sprinkle of fresh dill. This gourmet breakfast will transport you to a breezy seaside cafe.

With these delightful summer breakfast ideas, you can infuse your mornings with the season’s essence. Embrace summer fruits’ vibrant colors and flavors, indulge in light and cooling options, and start your day refreshingly.

These recipes will make your breakfasts a delightful celebration of the summer season. So, rise and shine to a wholesome and nourishing breakfast that will keep you energized and ready to make the most of your morning.

Yoga Legend Offers 7 Ways To Make Morning Time Your Favorite

Most people dread the moment the alarm clock goes off having to fight their way out of bed to start the day.  But what if you could turn morning time into your favorite time of the day, where waking up is actually easy and more enjoyable?

Aadil Palkhivala
Aadil Palkhivala

Yoga legend Aadil Palkhivala, known across the world as the “Godfather of yoga in the west,” and author of Fire of Love: For Students of Life and Teachers of Yoga, offers these tips that will make it easier to get going in the morning:

1. Wake up to something pleasant: The very first thing most people think about when they wake up are all the things they have to get done that day.  It quickly makes them feel overwhelmed, frustrated and stressed out. Instead, start your day thinking about the things you are grateful for, and focus on the fun activities you have planned for the day. Do some Heartfull TM Meditation that focuses on deep breathing that will wake you up peacefully and put you in the mood to create throughout the day.

  1. Lose the traditional alarm clock: Jarring the body from a deep sleep is unhealthy for the nervous system. Waking up to a softer noise that gradually increases in volume is a much better choice. Sounds from nature are soothing and naturally awake the body.

  1. Drink a glass of warm water right away: Before you head for the coffee, drink a glass of warm water. Warm water will open up the circulation in the throat and stomach. It helps the body naturally hydrate and feel awake and alive.  It also helps enhance circulation and removes toxins from the night and day before.  People who drink water right before bed and when waking up are also less prone to heart attacks.
  1. Have an organic smoothie: They say garbage in equals garbage out, so start your day with a powerful organic smoothie.  Anything that contains green fruits/veggies is a good choice, along with plant-based proteins. Avoid animal-based proteins which are more difficult to digest.
  1. Stretches: Just like you would warmup your car on a cold winter day, you need to break up the tension from the night before and get the body ready for action.  Do some simple stretches that focus on the neck, shoulders, hips and spine.

Warm Shower6. Take a warm shower: It’s as common as the chicken and egg debate: should you shower in the morning or at night?  The answer is actually both, but especially in the morning because a warm to hot shower will increase circulation in the skin, and help awake the nervous system.

  1. Clean air: When you sleep in a room that has clean air, you’re going to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.  Use an air ionizer and purifier with HEPA filter that removes odors and fumes from cleaners, aerosols, carpet and paint. HEPA filters remove more than 99 percent of airborne irritants.

For nearly thirty years, Aadil has been regarded as a “teacher of teachers,” and many of the world’s top yoga instructors have studied with him. He has a unique teaching style, mixing melodious instructions with recitations of poetry, philosophical insights, and in-the-moment humor.

Alive and Shine Center LogoAadil and his wife, Savitri, are the founders of Purna Yoga, a holistic synthesis of yogic traditions based on the work of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Discover more about Aadil  and the Alive and Shine Center.  For the Silo, Alex Smith.

Supplemental- A short history of Yoga http://swamij.com/history-yoga.htm

Sony’s Nature Sounds Alarm Clock- now discontinued but still available via Amazon and Ebay.