Category: Uncategorized

Moms Love Yoga

Yoga is a great form of fitness for anyone — but it’s ideal for moms! In honor of Mother’s Day, we thought we would create a list of all of the reasons why moms should give yoga a try.

Here are 10 reasons why yoga is the perfect workout for YOU!

1. You can do yoga from the comfort of your own home. You can practice yoga anywhere or anytime that works for you—before work, during your lunch break or at night when the kids are asleep.

2. You can tailor your practice to fit your body’s needs. Do it at your own pace. You can adjust each pose for your current level of strength and flexibility. Your practice is your own, and there are plenty of modifications to accommodate injuries.

3. There’s no set amount of time. You can participate a in a full hour-long flow, 30-minutes or even 10-minutes.

4. It will make you feel stronger. Yoga will help you build physical strength and also strength of mind.

5. You have a valid reason to shop! Who doesn’t love stylish exercise clothing? Obviously, you can wear your old t-shirt and shorts to practice, but you will get a great boost of confidence with fresh new clothing that makes you feel confident and beautiful. You know we love our funky patterned leggings. Check out some of our most recent faves from the new Gaiam line at Kohl’s. There’s also some really cool yoga gear out that will inspire you to get on your mat. In fact, there are some beautiful mats, totes and carriers as well as other accessories that will help motivate you to get moving!

6. Yoga is a forced time-out for moms. Yoga will do amazing things for your body, but it’s even more amazing to see what it will do for your mental state of being. When your mind is racing and your to-do list is endless, it’s a good thing to have yoga in your life. You don’t have to know how to quiet the mind and meditate. Yoga is a moving meditation, and you will automatically fall into that meditation. You will notice that your loud thoughts dissipate over the course of your practice, and you are left in a blissful, peaceful state.

7. It will make you feel beautiful. Doing something for yourself, and doing something that makes you feel good, will make you feel beautiful.

8. It’s better with a friend. A yoga partner makes the practice more fun! So, find a friend and get your yoga on! Now you can work out and spend quality time with your bestie. How about scheduling a playdate with another mom friend? Your kids can play in the yard while you roll out your mats and practice outdoors.

9. You can join a yoga community. There’s a tight knit group of yogis who will inspire and motivate you, and you can connect with them through social media, such as Instagram, or find/create your own community by attending local studios or gathering your friends.

10. You can share yoga with your family. Once you begin your practice, your kids — even your husband — will be interested. And, what better way to show your love for your family than by taking care of YOU!

May 7, 2015
Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote

Mother’s Day is around the corner. Have you planned something special for your mom? I think all moms love brunch — so whether you are making one — or someone else is making you one — check out this recipe for Strawberry-Rhubarb compote.

If you’ve never had rhubarb, you really must try it. It’s actually a vegetable — it kind of looks like red celery. It is frequently paired with strawberries because they sweeten up the naturally tart rhubarb. You can make strawberry rhubarb pie, or strawberry rhubarb crisp, but I thought a compote would be delicious and versatile and perfect for Mother’s Day brunch!

So, what is a compote? In this case, it’s a mixture of cooked down fruit, usually in a flavored sugar/water reduction. It can be eaten on it’s own — both hot or cold. You can also use it to top pancakes and waffles, ice cream and pound cake. However, today, I’m going to layer it between Greek yogurt for a delicious parfait.

The Strawberry-Rhubarb compote recipe is super simple. All you need is strawberries, rhubarb, maple syrup (yes, I’ve replaced the white sugar with grade B maple syrup to lighten it up), lemon zest and vanilla extract — let it cook down on the stove and voila – compote! For this recipe, let it cool down before serving.

So, here’s my recipe. I’m hoping it introduces some of you to rhubarb — which is a wonderful vegetable — and I hope you love it. I think the parfait would be lovely for Mother’s Day brunch, don’t you?

Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote
Yield approximately 4 cups

4 cups of rhubarb (sliced, 1/2 inch thick)
1, 16 ounce container of strawberries, quartered
1/2 cup of grade B maple syrup
2 tablespoons water
zest of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a saucepan over medium low heat, add the rhubarb, maple syrup, and water. Let the mixture simmer until the rhubarb just starts to soften. Then, add the strawberries and cook until they are soft — total cooking time is approximately 10-12 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest at the very end. Please note that the rhubarb cooks down — it will not be whole, but you will notice strawberry pieces throughout.

If you are going to make the parfait in the photos — just add a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt to a cup, then a tablespoon or two of the compote, then repeat until you reach the top of your glass. You could even top yours with granola or chopped walnuts.

Helpful Hint: Rhubarb is a seasonal spring find! You can find it in your local grocery store — in the fresh produce section or in the freezer case. If you purchase it fresh, you will find it in long stalk form. You generally won’t find any with green leaves in tact, but if you do, remove them — you only use the red stalk!

May 6, 2015
One Single Step

You’ve heard us say it before — start small. Make one change at a time. Eventually, it will become a habit. A series of small steps can lead to BIG change, BIG success.

This concept holds true for many things in life — both physical and mental. Maybe you want to become fitter? Maybe you want to eat healthier? Maybe you want to change careers? Maybe you want to change your frame of mind?

That first, single step is the hardest. But, you CAN do it. We know you can.

May 4, 2015
It’s Never Too Late

“It is never too late to be what you might have been,” George Eliot.

It’s never too late. If you’ve been following Two Fit Moms since we launched our website, you know that this is our mantra.

We are committed to inspiring everyone — but especially moms, like us, that it’s never too late to be your best self. Regardless of your age, you can achieve your fitness goals, your career goals, your life goals. You can change direction at any time and realize your potential.

This motto is one that can be applied to many aspects of life. And, we think it’s worth repeating.

Remember. It’s never too late to be your best self. It’s never too late to be fit. It’s never too late to achieve your wellness goals.

Has this quote inspired you too? If so, let us know how.

April 26, 2015
The Power of Positive Affirmations

“Start training like an athlete. Start eating like an athlete. Start sleeping like an athlete.”

One of my favorite fitness trainers gives this simple, yet very inspiring advice on an exercise DVD that I own. I can hear these words in my head, long after I’ve finished my workout.

At the heart of this message is the idea that if you play the part, you will ultimately become the part. Maybe you’re not an athlete today, but by adopting the lifestyle of an athlete, you slowly but surely become one.

Positive affirmations work in the same way. By repeating a motivational phrase and speaking positively, you can transform your habits and attitude over time.

Just as the fitness trainer encourages her viewers to start living the life of an athlete, a positive affirmations practice can help you speak your dreams into existence. You can create the reality that you desire. By repeating positive affirmations each day, you effectively drown out the internal voices that say you’re too sick, too old, too injured, too heavy, too fill-in-the-blank. Your words have incredible power, so use that power wisely.

Affirmations and Yoga
If you would like to incorporate positive affirmations into your yoga practice, I recommend stating an affirmation (out loud or in your mind) every time you do a repetitive action.

For example, you can state an affirmation every time you complete a round of sun salutations. Or you can state an affirmation every time you find yourself in downward facing dog or in mountain pose. Repetition is key. In order for the affirmation to be engrained into the subconscious mind, you must hear it often to truly internalize it.

Here are two basic guidelines to follow when creating your own affirmations: First, keep your affirmation brief so that it’s easy to say and repeat. Here are a few that come to mind: I am strong. I am healthy. I am loved. I am successful. I am enough.

Second, state your affirmation as if it is already true. Speak in the present tense rather than in the future tense. Rather than saying, “I will lose weight and get healthy,” say “I radiate health and wellness.” And rather than saying “I will find a better job and make more money,” say “I attract wealth and opportunity.”

Feel free to create your own affirmations that speak to your spirit, and let us know how you do when you incorporate these positive statements into a yoga practice. You WILL get over the discomfort of speaking positively about yourself. I know it’s uncomfortable at first, but watch your life transform as you make the mind-body connection.

April 24, 2015
Launch Day!

It was a chilly day in New York City, but that didn’t keep people away from today’s amped up yoga event hosted by Kohl’s and led by Two Fit Moms — Laura and Masumi.

The event marked the launch of the new Gaiam women’s apparel line for Kohl’s which was created to inspire people to be fit and achieve the best version of themselves.

We are happy to say that we had a hand in the design and fit of the yoga clothing. The pieces are beautiful and affordable – and are sure to encourage health and wellness.

Masumi and Laura led a one-hour yoga flow in New York City’s High Line Park. More than 80 guests — a combination of media, influencers, bloggers and celebrities — got their yoga groove on with their nifty new Gaiam yoga mats.

It was an amazing day – so exhilarating. We are excited to be associated with Gaiam and Kohl’s — two like-minded brands that also embrace the concept of yoga for everyone.

We hope you check out the new line of apparel in Kohl’s stores and at Kohls.com. In the meantime, here’s a glimpse of some of the apparel — which is perfect for every woman – especially moms!

April 23, 2015
Recipe on the Go: Arugula Pesto

If you are like us, you are always on the go! Whether you are a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, you are all too familiar with having no time to spare. Being able to rely on quick and nutritious recipes are key (especially if you can make them ahead of time!). That being said, we are here to help.

I want to share one of my favorite on the go meals. It’s Arugula Pesto.

I’m a big fan of pesto. You can make it many ways — with different greens (maybe fresh spinach?) and herbs (think basil, parsley) and nuts and cheeses. I like arugula. I prefer the taste, and I can also always find a pre-washed bag of arugula in the grocery store, so it works for me.

Generally, pesto will involve nuts. This version does not. I actually prefer the arugula on it’s own. So, it’s super easy. Arugula, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and parmigiano-reggiano cheese. That’s it.

This recipe is sufficient for one pound of pasta — any kind your heart desires — and, in a pinch you have a healthy pasta dinner.

Arugula Pesto
Yields approximately 1.5 cups, which is enough for a pound of pasta

4 cups of arugula (if not using pre-washed, make sure the arugula is dry)
3/4 cup of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
3/4 cup of grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

In the bowl of a food processor, add the arugula, chopped garlic, salt and pepper. Turn the food processor on and begin to stream in the olive oil. Mix until combined. Remove mixture to a separate bowl, and fold the grated cheese into the mixture. Do not process it. The heat from the food processor may change the consistency.

Helpful Hint: You can make the pesto in advance, either keeping it in your refrigerator (up to a week) or freezing it in ice cube trays. In addition to being the perfect pasta topping, it’s also ideal for marinating meat and fish and for spreading on sandwiches.

April 14, 2015
Making Time for Yoga

Starting and committing to any exercise routine is tough. The same goes for your yoga practice. Whether you are just starting your journey or you have been practicing for years, we all struggle with maintaining the momentum of the routine. And, when you are a busy mother, finding time for yourself seems to be the biggest hurdle. We understand.

Don’t despair. It is possible to practice yoga, despite a hectic schedule. It just takes some flexibility (not just physical – mental too!), and some ingenuity.

So, here are a few things to consider as you assess how you will make time for yoga — how you will start your practice and how you will make it a daily habit.

It’s literally a matter of determining when, where and how you can make your yoga practice work for you.

1. When do you have time to practice? Can you practice before the kids wake up in the morning? How about during your lunch break? Or, maybe you are a night owl? Finding the right time of day is key. And, if there seems to be no right time — make one! I’m not a morning person. In fact, I really despise getting up early, but I have no time otherwise, so an early morning routine, while painful at first, is ideal for my lifestyle. What works for yours?

2. How long do you have? Perhaps you only have 30 minutes to spare. Or, maybe you have two hours? The amount of time you can make for yoga will dictate how you practice. And, how you practice is totally up to you! You may only have time or the inclination to do 10-15 minutes of sun salutations. This still counts as practicing. There are no rules about how long you need to be on the mat.

3. How often? Can you commit to practicing once a week? Once a month? Do you have the luxury of practicing every day?

4. Where will you practice? Thankfully, going to a yoga class at a gym or studio is not the only way to practice yoga. You can download a practice online or design your own flow and playlist. I bet you have DVDs collecting dust on a shelf somewhere. Once you figure out when and how long you can practice, the actual practice will fall right into place!

5. How will you stay motivated? Perhaps it’s a yoga companion? Or a yoga community? Whether you have a friend to practice with or a community to share your experience with (e.g., Instagram), both will make the journey so much more fun! Even if you are not in the same room, sharing your experience and progress photos will inspire.

You may realize, after walking through this exercise, that finding time really has more to do with finding someone to watch your kids. Even if you plan to practice from home, exercising in the presence of small children is nearly impossible. (Believe me, I’ve tried. I vividly remember trying to follow a fitness DVD as my two toddlers joined me on my mat, mimicking my every move and talking to me throughout the routine as I was sweating profusely unable to catch my breath. In hindsight, it was funny, but at the time, I was annoyed that I couldn’t find a way to make it work!)

If this is the case, you must enlist support. Ask a parent or spouse to watch the kids so that you can take a class. If you have the means, hire a babysitter — a student even, to keep costs low. Swap babysitting time with a friend. You practice yoga one day, while she watches your kids. You reciprocate. It’s not impossible. It just takes some creativity!

Aside from getting into shape, feeling healthy and strong — finding time for yoga — finding time for you — is so important for your mental well-being. So, don’t be discouraged. You can make it work. And, if you are feeling stressed, just ask us. We struggle to fit yoga into our lives, just like you!

April 12, 2015
10 Ways to Prepare for a Healthy Morning

We all know how difficult it is to break a bad habit. Fortunately, breaking a good habit is just as difficult. Once a habit is engrained, it becomes part of daily life. Just think about your daily routine. You probably step out of bed and walk directly to the bathroom where you brush your teeth, even if you don’t feel like it. This habit of brushing your teeth doesn’t require much thought or stress. It’s automated. By automating a task, it becomes non-negotiable, and it gets done.

In my own life, I have automated a series of healthy tasks so that they feel like a natural part of my life. Every morning, I make my way through my morning routine without feelings of stress or dread.

If you are looking to adopt a healthy set of habits to create a new morning routine, you must find a way to automate these tasks so that they get done each day without a second thought. When I say “automate”, I don’t mean that you become a robot and mentally check out. I mean you get up and do these things without a mental debate of “should I” or “shouldn’t I”. You just do it.

A few days ago, I wrote an article discussing how much I love my morning routine. The routine doesn’t magically happen without planning and effort though. It takes a bit of preparation. I’ve found that the easiest way to get a routine to the point of automation is to prepare as much as possible in advance. Prepping doesn’t guarantee success, but it certainly increases the odds.

In order to help you, I’ve compiled a list of suggestions to help you prepare for your morning as much as possible. These are all tips that I’ve used in my own life. By taking some of these steps to start your morning routine the night before, you are much more likely to complete the routine when you get up. Feel free to incorporate as many of these suggestions as you’d like into your own life. You can do it!

1. For a portable, nutritious breakfast, pre-load your blender with fruits and vegetables before bed each night so that in the morning, you just have to add your liquid and blend a smoothie.

2. Use a multi-compartment pill case to set aside all of your vitamins and supplements for each day of the week. Allocate a little time, and sort your pills for the week. You’d be surprised how much time you can spend unscrewing childproof caps and getting your supplements ready every single morning.

3. Set out all of your exercise clothing the night before, including your socks and sneakers.

4. If you work out at home or practice yoga at home, set up all of your equipment before going to bed. Roll out your yoga mat, place your blocks at the top of the mat, make sure your strap is within reach, and a towel, too.

5. If you work out at a gym (or a studio), pack your bag and set it by the door. I remember the days of hitting the gym at 5:30 am. My brain was barely awake at that hour. If you are planning to shower at the gym and go directly to the office afterwards, I highly suggest that you wear your work clothes (NOT your exercise clothes) to the gym in the morning. Pack your exercise clothing in your gym bag. I used to think that I was saving myself lots of time by wearing my workout gear to the gym, but on many occasions, I found myself standing in the locker room after my workout without a vital piece of clothing. Once, I packed a full suit with stockings and heels, but I forgot to pack a shirt. Total disaster. At the end of the day, you’ve got to do what works best for YOU—even if it takes a bit longer.

6. Try a recipe for one of our make-ahead breakfasts! Oatmeal cake is one of my favorites. I don’t even bother re-heating it because I love eating it right out of the refrigerator.

7. Wash and chop frequently used fruits and vegetables, and store them in a container with a paper towel to absorb moisture in your fridge. Prepping any meal becomes much easier when the ingredients are ready to use.

8. Plan your drinks in advance. Do you want to start the day with a glass of water with lemon? If so, wash and slice your lemon and keep the wedges in a glass container in the fridge. Do you plan on taking your drink with you as you commute? If that’s the plan, make sure that your re-usable water bottle is clean and waiting for you on your kitchen counter.

9. If you have kids that need to get out the door for school, set the breakfast table the night before. Silverware, plates, napkins, placemats, cups, etc. Cutting out the small tasks in the morning leaves time for other things.

10. If your children need packed snacks and lunch boxes for school, do as much of the packing as possible the night before. Make sure napkins, water bottles, plastic spoons/forks and sandwich containers are washed and ready to go. Pack everything non-perishable in advance (i.e., apple sauce, crackers, drinks). In the morning, you only need to add your refrigerated items, and you will feel less rushed.

April 7, 2015
Bali-Inspired Ginger Tea

As I sit here on my couch in New Jersey, thinking about my recent two-week trip to Bali, there are many wonderful moments that spring into my mind…The sights, the smells, the smiles of the Balinese people, the crazy drivers, the beautiful landscape and the food! The one thing that stands out though is the Ginger Tea. After my first sip, I remember thinking, I need to recreate this at home!

The combination of ginger and cayenne pepper has numerous benefits…They both reduce nausea, pain and inflammation, help prevent the common cold and also aid in digestion. Give it a try!

Ingredients:

1 tea bag (Any kind that you like! I use Lipton brand)
1 inch of fresh ginger root
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (More or less depending on how much heat you like)
1 tablespoon agave (More or less depending on your taste!)
8-10 oz water

Bring the water to a boil. Peel the ginger and cut into small chunks. Put the ginger into the mug along with a tea bag, cayenne pepper and agave. Pour the boiling water into the mug, and let it steep for a good 3-4 minutes. You can strain the tea if you like or simply enjoy!

April 6, 2015