Maca-phrodisiac Smoothie

Maca is a Peruvian aphrodisiac that helps to regulate hormones and is rich in nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium and high in protein.  

Maca provides a great energy boost, without the side effects of caffeine. This sweet love potion is a great way to start the day. Blend in a banana for an extra energy kick and more creaminess.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup of hemp seeds or cashews (preferably soaked overnight)
• 1 cup of coconut water
• ½ cup of filtered water
• 1 Medjool date
• 2 teaspoons of Mesquite powder
• ½ teaspoon of Maca powder
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• ½ teaspoon of ginger powder and/or fresh ginger
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla powder
• *Optional: one banana

Directions

Blend until smooth

Green Chili Sauce (raw)

Recipe for the tantalizing Green Chili Sauce she used as a dip for the Freedom Wrap (pumpkin and sun garden pate, sprouts, cucumber, avocado and pickled daikon radish rolled in collard greens) and as a dressing for the Chili Bowl (quinoa, roasted garlic chili, steamed greens, avocado, scallions, green chili and garlic tahini sauce).

Green Chili Sauce (raw)

1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

1 to 2 anaheim chilies - start with one and add more as necessary to reach level of heat

1/4 cup + 2 T olive oil

1 clove garlic

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 cup lime juice

1/2 bunch of cilantro

1 + 1/4 tsp salt

1 cup water

1 tsp. red chili flakes

1/2 tsp. Pepper

*seeded jalapeno may be substituted for Anaheim chilies

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.

Chill and enjoy!

Quinoa with Garlic, Kale and Sun Dried Tomato

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

1 3/4 cup organic broth (veg, chicken, your choice)

1 T extra virgin olive oil + dollop for your quinoa

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bunch kale, chopped into bite size

1 can sun dried tomatoes in oil, julienned

Green Chili Sauce to drizzle on top

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat a medium sauce pan with the dry quinoa. Shake every 20 seconds until the quinoa is nicely toasted. Add broth, dollop of olive oil and sprinkle of salt. Bring to boil. Stir the contents, reduce to low heat and cover for 15 minutes or until quinoa is nice and fluffy.

Wash and chop your kale into bite size pieces and place aside. Finely mince the garlic cloves and place aside as well. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan adding the garlic. Heat occasionally stirring until slightly browned. Add kale and mix well letting the leaves wilt. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir. Keep on medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5-8 minutes.

Add cooked quinoa to kale/tomato and mix well. Keep on low heat allowing the quinoa to absorb the oils and flavour for 1-2 minutes.

Serve while warm drizzling green chilli sauce on top.

Traditional Macrobiotic Bowl

Hard to go wrong here. Clean and satisfying and you can switch up your bean and veg according to your mood!

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa or brown rice

1 3/4 cup organic broth (veg, chicken, your choice)

1 bunch dark leafy green (kale, chard, collard greens)

3 red beets, peeled, steamed and diced

1 avocado, sliced

1 cup beans (e.g. white bean, black-eye, garbanzo)

Green Chili Sauce to drizzle

Sesame seeds, sliced green onion ends and salt to garnish

Instructions:

Cook your quinoa the same as mentioned in the above recipe or brown rice according to the package.

Steam your chopped leafy greens for about 5 minutes or until bright green.

If you have time, soak and cook your own beans. If not, make sure you rinse your canned beans well to help the digestive process.

Scrub your beets well and peel if necessary. Place in steamer for 20-30 minutes or until  easily pierced by a fork.

Slice the avocado into thin slices and sprinkle with sesame.

To serve:

Place the quinoa/rice in the center of bowl. Make a small bundle of the greens followed by the beans and beets. Place the avocado slices on top, drizzle with Green Chili Sauce and garnish with sesame, salt and green onion ends.

Food made from fresh, seasonal, pure, quality, organic ingredients that are treated with creativity, care, and love. Food has the power to nourish the mind, body and soul. Serving this sort of food with loving intentions can do that, while providing an abundance of energy. I want to help people learn to listen to their bodies, to be able to take care of it and simply thrive. The better we all feel throughout out day the more positive energy we're going to inflect into the world.

Heirloom Tomatoes ---- LOVE

Gorgeous, multi-colored, unpredictably shaped heirloom tomatoes straight from heaven’s garden. You could bite straight into one of these bad boys and never look at an apple again—completely delicious. Head down to your local farmers market. Ask for heirloom tomatoes and don’t be shocked.  These aren’t your genetically altered, perfectly shaped tomatoes. These beauties range in size, shapes and colors—think purple, yellow, dinosaur (yes, I’m calling that a color). Stock up on an array of shades and head home to the kitchen. Like I said, straight up heirloom tomato is divine, but here are a few other options for the perfect summer treat.

Fresh Tomato and Goat Cheese Strata with Herb Oil 

Ingredients:

* 8 ounces goat cheese, room temperature

* 1/4 cup cream

    * Pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper

    * 3 fresh tomatoes, sliced 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick

    * 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts, for garnish

Herb Oil:

    * 3/4 cup fresh mint

    * 3/4 cup fresh basil

    * 1 cup olive oil

    * Pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

For the Filling: Combine the goat cheese and cream in a medium bowl.
Using an electric mixer, whip together the cheese and the cream.
Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

For the Herb Oil: Combine the herbs in a food processor and pulse to chop the herbs.
With the machine running add the oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a small bowl,
cover with plastic wrap and set aside.

To serve: Using a serrated knife, cut the tomatoes. Top each tomato with a spoonful
of the goat cheese mixture. Place a few tomatoes on a serving plate, drizzle with
herb oil, and sprinkle with walnuts. Serve.

Raw Tomato Basil Soup

1 huge heirloom tomato

1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

2 cloves garlic

1/4 onion

1 jalepeno (seeds optional for heat)

1/2 cup basil

salt to taste

1/4 cup filtered water

optional: cilantro leaves + pumpkin seeds for garnish

Place all ingredients in powerful blender and mix until creamy. If your blender is strong enough you can blend until it heats itself up. Otherwise, remove from blender and warm on stove or enjoy cold with cilantro or pumpkin seeds on top!

Avocado Mousse

Ingredients (serves 2):

2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
juice of 4 limes
3 T raw blue agave
1.5 T raw cacao nibs (optional)

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Serve.

Rice

Coconut Rice

1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup coconut water
1 cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 t sea salt
1 teaspoon ground coriander

Coconut-Basil Brown Rice

1 cup short grain brown rice
1 cup organic free range chicken broth
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted
1/4 cup basil, finely chopped
2 T green onion ends, finely sliced
small knob of ghee (clarified butter)
good pinch sea salt

Combine rice, broth, milk, salt and ghee into pot and bring to a boil. Stir well then reduce to low. Stir in basil, cover and cook for roughly 50 minutes or until rice is fluffy and cooked through.

Dry toast the coconut flakes in a frying pan for a few minutes or until a nice golden brown. Set aside.

Once rice is fully cooked, stir in coconut flakes and green onion ends. Hit with a fresh pinch of salt and serve with extra green onion on top for garnish.

Shoulderstand

Shoulderstand (sarvangasana) is often referred to as the “queen of all yoga postures,” with Headstand being deemed the “King.” The many benefits of shoulderstand cannot be ignored, as it is a complete pose, meaning that it aides in the function of the entire body. Sri Dharma Mittra states that “some yogis do only this pose,” and it can be held from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. There is no doubt that Sarvangasana is a cure-all for most of the common ailments we encounter, like constipation and the common cold. Here are 10 ways that Shoulderstand positively affects our bodies, therefore declaring why the posture should be practiced on a daily basis.

1. Balances hormones: Sarvangasana balances the thyroid and hypothalamus glands, allowing for proper hormone production.

2. Strengthens the heart and respiratory system: Due to the fact that the body is in an inverted position, shoulderstand reduces strain on the heart. Healthy blood can easily circulate around the neck and chest, and as a result, people with asthma, bronchitis and throat ailments may get relief. 

3. Combats the common cold: Continued practice of this asana eradicates common colds and other nasal disturbances.

4. Soothes the nervous system:  This pose has a soothing effect on the parasympathetic nervous system. Therefore, those easily irritated, or prone to anger or nervous breakdowns can be stabilized and less reactive to life’s circumstances. 

5. Reduces constipation: The change in gravitational pull on the body affects the abdominal organs so that the bowels move freely and constipation is relieved.

6. Increased strength and flexibility: Shoulderstand strengthens the upper body, legs and abdomen.  The posture opens the chest and stretches the neck, shoulders and upper back muscles.

7. Decreases varicose veins: Shoulderstand assist in draining old blood from the legs, pelvis and abdominal area, therefore reducing varicose veins.

8. Stimulates the Visuddah (Throat Chakra):  Shoulderstand ignites the fifth chakra, which is associated with creativity and self-expression. When this chakra is open, our negative experiences can easily be transformed into wisdom and learning.

9. Reduces wrinkles: Due to increased blood flow to the face, wrinkles can be reduced. In addition, many practitioners notice an improved complexion with a consistent shoulderstand practice.

10. Aides in restful sleep: Shoulderstand promotes deep sleep and can assist in providing rest for people with insomnia. 

With a consistent shoulderstand practice, it is safe to say that a new sense of vigor and strength will result. You may even feel happy, confident and at peace with this posture as part of your daily practice.

As with many yoga postures, there are contraindications. People with high blood pressure, detached retina, glaucoma, hernias, cardiovascular disease, cervical spondylitis, and/or slipped discs should not practice shoulderstand. If you have or have had a neck injury, seek advice from an experienced yoga teacher before beginning to practice shoulderstand. It is advised that women avoid inversions when menstruating.  To receive similar benefits in a more restorative way, try placing a block under the sacrum to elevate the hips above the heart for Vipartita Karani (or legs up the wall).

108 yoga images from 2012: through the lens and from the soul of Robert Sturman.

108 yoga images from 2012: through the lens and from the soul of Robert Sturman

Yoga is beautiful.

I believe that if Michelangelo had known yoga, the streets of Rome would be filled with marble sculptures celebrating the poetry of asana — a poetry that longs to touch the divine and say ‘thank you for this life.’

The following 108 images are a small collection of work from 2012 I have created with many human beings devoted to striving towards their highest potential. It is a remarkable moment in time  for us all and it is an honor to call myself…  your artist.  

Briohny Kate Smyth: The Hills of Malibu
1

.

Jennifer Pastiloff: Matador Beach, California
2

.

Elise Joan: Matador Beach, California
3

.

Caroline Bergenstrom: Venice Beach, California
4

.

Dice Iida-Klein: Malibu Canyon, California
5

.

Dice Iida-Klein: Malibu Hills, California
6

.

Briohny and Dice: Malibu Hills, California
7

.

Briohny Kate Smyth: Malibu Hills
8

.

Briohny Kate Smyth: Malibu Hills
9

.

Kathryn Budig ~ Balloons by the Carousel: Santa Monica, California
10

.

The Chaturanga Planksters ~ Dice, Briohny and Taylor: Santa Monica, California
11

.

Cristi Christensen: Main Street ~ Santa Monica, California
12

.

Micheline Berry: Leo Carrillo, California
13

.

Suzanne Kiyomura: Topanga Canyon, California
14

.

Liz Arch: Venice, California
15

.

Liz Arch: Topanga Canyon, Califonia
16

.

Raghunath Cappo: Laguna Shores, California
17

.

Kelly Bickle: Saint Petersburg, Florida
18

.

Indie and Stephen Bickle: Saint Petersburg, Florida
19

.

Kelly and Indie Bickle: Saint Petersburg, Florida
20

.

Michelle Dawson: Upstate New York
21

.

Eleven Year Old Olivia Rose: Chester, New York
22

.

Mary Vernal: Deep in the Connecticut Forest
23

.

Ben Wisch: The Black Dirt Onion Fields ~ Upstate New York
24

.

Shawna Emerick: The Black Dirt Onion Fields ~ Upstate New York
25

.

Mona Sharma: Venice Beach
26

.

Susan White Phillips: Deep in the Connecticut Forest
27

.

Megan Marie: The North Atlantic
28

.

Casey McBride: The Connecticut Forest
29

.

Emma Magenta: Central Park, NYC
30

.

Elitza Datcheva: central Park, NYC
31

.

Musician in Central Park,
32

.

Tao Porchon-Lynch at 93: Central Park, NYC
33

.

Tao Porchon-Lynch at 94: The Connecticut Countryside
34

.

Susanna Harwood Rubin: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
35

.

Elena Brower: Spanish Harlem, NY
36

.

Kim Stetz: Central Park, NYC
37

.

Roberto Lim: On our way to Fenway Park ~ Boston, MA.
38

.

Justin Wolfer: The Spit and Spat fountain: Saratoga Springs, NY
39

.

Kelly Kamm in the Raspberry Room at the Glen Tonche House: Woodstock, NY
40

.

Justin Wolfer: Saratoga Springs, NY
41

.

Justin Wolfer with Selma: Saratoga Springs, NY
42

.

Michelle Dawson: Upstate New York
43

.

Michelle Dawson: Dancer on the Train ~ Woodstock, NY
44

.

1950′s Yoga: Michelle Dawson in upstate NY
45

.

Jen Warakomski: Dancer on the Brooklyn Bridge
46

.

Sarah McGrath: Brooklyn, NY
47

.

Sarah McGrath: Brooklyn, NY
48

.

Denise and Eric Antonini: Shooting Star ~ Laguna Beach, California
49

.

2 1/2 Year Old Lorenzo Antonini: Laguna Beach, California
50

.

Colleen Hieber: Laguna Beach, California
51

.

Alex Newell: Venice, California
52

.

Liz Arch: Malibu Canyon
53

.

Liz Arch: Malibu Canyon
54

.

Newton Campbell: Laguna, California
55

.

Lily and Marcelle Dulan: Matador Beach, California
56

.

Kathryn Budig: Marina Del Rey, California
57

.

Covi Glez: Venice Beach, California
58

.

Noelle Beaugureau: Central California
59

.

Noelle Beaugureau: Central California
60

.

Noelle Beaugureau: Central California
61

.

Noelle Beaugureau: Central California
62

.

Audri Yvette Gonzales-Geary: Laguna, California
63

.

Denise Antonini: Laguna, California
64

.

Laura Young Kilkenny: Sunrise on the North Atlantic
65

.

Erin Nealy: Laguna Beach, California
66

.

Curli Chan: Laguna, California
67

.

Cami Rice: First Responder American Airlines 911 Flight Attendant. 2012 Tribute.
68

.

Michelle May: Emerald Beach – Encinitas, California
69

.

Ashika Gogna: Paradise Cove, California
70

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Ashika Gogna: Paradise Cove, California
71

.

Newton Campbell: Inside the Sculpture Studio of Steven Lustig
72

.

Kelly Kamm at the Glen Tonche House: Woodstock, New York
73

.

Ben Wisch at The Glen Tonche House ~ Woodstock, New York
74

.

Betsey Geller Keely: The North Atlantic
75

.

Danielle Holmes & Betsey Geller Keely: The North Atlantic
76

.

Amy Luke: The Connecticut Coast
77

.

Megan Marie: The New England Coast
78

.

Rita Shepard Ende: Sunrise in Connecticut
79

.

Danielle Brown: The Long Island Sound
80

.

Estela Dimes: The Connecticut Countryside
81

.

Angela Kilcullen: Deep in the Connecticut Forest
82

.

Caitlin Marcoux: Nantucket Island
83

.

Caitlin Marcoux: Nantucket Island
84

.

Shannah Green: Nantucket Island
85

.

Michael Rich: Nantucket Island
86

.

Ariel Marcoux: Nantucket Island
87

.

Juliet Loranger and Caitlin Marcoux: Nantucket Island
88

.

Caitlin Marcoux: Nantucket Island
89

.

Caitlin Marcoux: Nantucket Island
90

.

Juliet Loranger: Nantucket Island
91

.

Denise DeLucca: Rhode Island Shores
92

.

Petra Ledkovsky: Nantucket Island
93

.

Burr Tupper: Nantucket, MA.
94

.

Bill Gluck: Central Park, NYC
95

.

“Cerebral Palsy and all, I am a Yogi and I am darn proud of it!” Ela Wojtowicz: Central Park, NYC
96

.

Micaela Mamede: Central Park, NYC
97

.

Megan Marie: The Cloisters, NYC
98

.

Steven Sherman: Cayucos, California
99

.

Heather Mann: Cayucos, California
100

.

Mariana Soares: Venice Beach
101

.

Camacha Jones & Justin Wolfer: Venice Beach
102

.

Camacha Jones & Justin Wolfer: Venice Beach
103

.

Noelle Beaugureau: Joshua Tree, California
104

.

Noelle Beaugureau: The Desert – California
105

.

Todd Leach: The Decisive Moment ~ Venice Beach
106

.

Yulady Saluti: Proud Warrior/Survivor Shoot for 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness
107

.

“I am Yulady Saluti. Cancer took my breasts
but will never take my dignity.”
The 108th image.
The great inner pose of stillness, vulnerability, acceptance, courage, dignity, life….

In Gratitude,

 

2012

~~~~~~~

Stay connected with Robert Sturman’s work on Facebook.

Daily posts to inspire.

More Art & Yoga: 

>> Rebelle Society’s interview with Robert Sturman.

>> Five Things I learned from Cancer. {Yuladi Saluti}

>> Cerebral Palsy and all, I am a Yogi, and I am darn proud of it!

>> Yoga Meets Art in a Sculptor’s Studio.

>> Rumi for Badasses.

{I Art You.}