Saturday, January 31, 2009

Asana of the Week: Easy Bow

Easy Bow

This backbending pose strengthens the lower back. Its powerful effect on the abdominal organs helps alleviate abdominal disorders. It also tones the liver and kidneys and helps purify the blood.

1. Lie on your stomach with your chin on the floor.

2. Bring your right hand in front of your shoulder, fingers pointing forward.

3. Bend your left knee and hold your foot with your left hand.

4. Inhale and press your hand into the floor as you lift your head, shoulders, and chest. Simultaneously lift your left knee and thigh. Breathe softly as you hold.

5. Inhale fully, then slowly exhale as you come down.

6. Release your left foot. Turn your head to one side and rest.

7. Repeat on the other side.

Focus in the Pose...
Move the foot you are holding back and up to increase the lift in both your thigh and your chest. One side of your body forms the shape of a bow. Imagine it is being pulled taut with an arrow, stretching the entire abdominal region.

Hints...
First use your lower back muscles to lift your torso as high as possible. Then press your right hand into the floor to increase the lift. You can either hold the pose for 5 to 10 seconds and do repetitions, or do the pose once on each side, holding it for 10 to 30 seconds.

Here's an Easier Way...
If you have a hard time lifting your thigh, you can leave it on the floor. Pressing your foot back will help you to eventually get your thigh off the ground a little.

Click here to watch the video

Friday, January 30, 2009

Eat Right and Do Yoga to Fight Colds and Flu

Fight Colds and Flu Naturally with Garlic
People who take daily garlic supplements will catch fewer common colds than people who do not supplement with garlic. Studies have determined that taking a daily garlic supplement that contains allicin will reduce one's risk of contracting a cold by approximately 50 percent. Allicin is a purified component of garlic that is the active ingredient produced by the garlic plant. Garlic supplements that contain allicin have also been shown to be effective for fighting methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.

Everyone suffers from the common cold from time to time. In fact, the common cold is the most prevalent viral infection in the world with more than 200 known variations of the viruses that cause the common cold. On average, people can expect to suffer between two and five colds every year. Recent research is now revealing that not only can garlic help prevent many colds but taking daily garlic supplements can also help to reduce the duration and severity of colds when they are contracted.

Allison has also been proven to be effective in fighting MRSA superbug infections. MRSA is a dermatological staph infection that occurs among patients in health care settings. MRSA can be widespread, is becoming resistant to many antibiotics, and can be a very serious and debilitating condition.

How to Use Garlic for Cold Prevention:

1.Use garlic as soon as the initial symptoms of a cold are felt. Garlic consumption is effective for strengthening the immune system and will even help prevent many colds. When symptoms first appear take a garlic supplement or drink garlic tea to boost the body's disease-fighting strength. Garlic tea will also soothe a sore throat and cough.

2.Try to consume between 1 and 2 whole cloves of garlic each day. Consuming more than this is fine but this amount of garlic will provide all the immune system benefits needed to fight a cold.

3.Taking a large dose of garlic supplements when cold symptoms are initially noticed may be effective for preventing, or at least reducing, a cold. Experts believe that a mega dose of garlic at the first sign of colds or the flu can reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms.

How to Prepare Garlic Tea:

1.Chop one clove of garlic finely. Fine chopping activates the allicin in garlic that is effective for fighting cold and flu viruses.

2.Add the chopped garlic to boiling water and allow to steep for several minutes.

3.Cool the tea before drinking. For best taste allow the tea to cool somewhat but don't drink it cold. The taste is best when slightly warm.

4.Drink one cup each day during the winter months or when cold and flu symptoms begin.

Source

And of course, learn Wai Lana's Lion- it's a great exercise to do to keep away colds and flu. Keep warm and cozy, do your hatha yoga and keep your immune system in tip top shape!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Channel yoga

Channel yoga

The Arizona Republic
January 2009

If the idea of doing yoga in front of others has you quaking in your stretchy pants, try it in the privacy of your living room with Wai Lana, host of the long-running PBS series Wai Lana Yoga. Turn to Channel 8 (KAET) at 6 a.m. every weekday to learn how to do a sun salutation without anyone watching.

Wai Lana News

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Keep the colds at bay with yoga

Recently this article about daily exercise reduces your chances of getting colds or any other sickness. Well, I'd say, do your yoga everyday with Wai Lana!. You'll definitely prevent getting sick! It's worked for me, who used to be extremely overweight and unfit. I'm sure it'll work for anyone else who tries.

Healthy Food—Fast

Healthy Food—Fast
Anna Montage, Health and Wellness Editor

One of the biggest obstacles to making the transition to a healthier, tastier daily menu can simply be the perceived need for a lot of time to prepare balanced, nutritious meals. However, in this month’s article we’re going to show you just how quick preparing satisfying, tasty meals can be. After all, for most of us almost every day is busy and hectic, so you need plenty of creative ways to handle those last-minute meal preparations—without sacrificing your health in the process.



Last-Minute Pasta Dinner
Last-Minute Pasta Dinner

Ingredients:
Whole wheat pasta (or your favorite pasta)
Veggie ground round (usually available in either the produce or frozen foods section of your grocery store)
Olive oil
Garlic, onion and/or mushrooms (optional)
Meatless pasta sauce (try organic!)
Salad veggies (such as baby greens, baby carrots, cucumber, etc.)
Your favorite salad dressing
Wholegrain or Italian bread (optional)

You arrive home starving—and possibly to greet starving family members as well. What to do? Here’s a quick, easy dinner sure to satisfy the palate:

First, turn a burner on high and get a pot of water going for your pasta. For the nutritional boost of whole grains, try some of the new whole wheat pastas available in most grocery stores and all health food stores.

Sauté the veggie ground round in a little olive oil and, if you like, add some garlic and onion or mushrooms. Once it’s lightly browned, add a jar of your favorite meatless pasta sauce (preferably organic) and simmer for a few minutes.

In the meantime, throw together a quick tossed salad. Prewashed baby spinach and salad greens make salad easier than ever. (It’s always a good idea to give these an extra rinse.) Throw some baby carrots on top and garnish with whatever other salad veggies you have on hand. A little cheese always adds extra zest to a simple salad. Top with your favorite dressing. A little garlic bread (optional) adds a traditional complement to this tasty meal. (Try wholegrain bread!)



The Easiest Cheese Lasagna Ever!
The Easiest Cheese Lasagna Ever!

This recipe is perfect for whenever you and your family and friends want a delicious, gourmet meal but you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This lasagna takes only about 20 minutes to prepare but about 1½ to 2 hours to cook. (If needed, you can assemble it several hours ahead of baking time.)

Ingredients:
1 package lasagna noodles
3 jars marinara pasta sauce
16 oz ricotta cheese
1 lb tofu (optional)
16 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp dried basil for garnishing (optional)
½ tsp dried oregano for garnishing (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. This recipe doesn’t require pre-boiling the lasagna noodles (it’s not necessary to buy the no-bake kind) but you use plenty of sauce to compensate. It’s important to use marinara style sauce because the higher water content helps cook the noodles.

First, pour a good bit of sauce on the bottom of the pan and spread it out. Use enough sauce so that you can’t see the bottom of the pan at all (this usually amounts to about ¾ of a jar of sauce.) Then put your first layer of dry lasagna noodles down. Spread on the ricotta cheese (about half the container) and sprinkle with a little pepper.

Tofu/ricotta option: If you like, before you put the ricotta in the lasagna, mix some ricotta and tofu together in a 50:50 mixture, crumbling the tofu with your fingers. You (or your guests) will never know the tofu’s there, but it makes the lasagna come out nice and firm and it also provides all the nutritional benefits of soy.

After you spread the first layer of ricotta or ricotta/tofu mixture over the dry lasagna noodles, sprinkle on some shredded mozzarella cheese. Add another generous layer of pasta sauce, then lay down another layer of dry lasagna noodles and repeat with more ricotta or ricotta/tofu and mozzarella and sauce. Add one more layer of dry noodles and add some extra sauce over these noodles. Cover with a layer of ricotta.

Wrap the whole casserole tightly in aluminum foil (this is a crucial step because the sauce will steam the noodles, but the casserole needs to be tightly wrapped). Bake for 1½ to 2 hours. In the last 5 or 10 minutes, remove the foil and add a final layer of mozzarella cheese for an attractive presentation. (The mozzarella will stick to the foil, so don’t put the foil back on for this step.) If you like, sprinkle a little basil and oregano on for an added garnish.

There will usually be a little sauce left that you can warm up for those who like extra sauce with their lasagna. Served with a light salad and bread, this meal is both simple and delicious.

Tip:
To make it easy, here’s a little summary of how to layer your lasagna:

1st and 2nd layers:

Sauce
Noodles
Ricotta/tofu
Mozzarella

3rd layer:

Sauce
Noodles
Sauce
Ricotta/tofu
Mozzarella (added in last 10 minutes—remove foil)



Quick and Easy Salad Meal—Not Your Ordinary Salad
Quick and Easy Salad Meal—Not Your Ordinary Salad

A hearty salad can make a delicious and satisfying meal—it’s all about including the right ingredients. There are no hard and fast rules for making a salad, but here are some suggestions. (By the way, wholegrain bread topped with a little butter makes a nice accompaniment to this nutrient-packed meal.)

Pre-washed salad greens, such as baby spinach, baby romaine, etc., make the base of your salad—these are generally easy to find organic. Throw in lots of your favorite veggies: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, etc. For that hearty salad meal taste, add black or green olives, avocado, and/or crumbled or grated cheese. Balsamic vinegar splashed on your salad with a dash of olive oil and salt and pepper makes a great simple dressing, or choose your own favorite dressing. (Try to avoid creamy dressings or those with a lot of additives and preservatives. The idea is to get plenty of healthy fats from the salad ingredients themselves, such as the olives and avocado.)



Veggie Burgers and Fries: A Healthy Version of the American Favorite
Veggie Burgers and Fries: A Healthy Version of the American Favorite

It’s fun to serve this healthy, delicious version of an American favorite.

Ingredients:
Veggie burgers (virtually every grocery store now has these in the frozen food section)
Olive oil or butter for pan-frying
Wholegrain hamburger buns (available at your local health food store and some grocery stores)
Lettuce
Sliced tomato
Ketchup, mustard, eggless mayonnaise (available in health food stores), etc.
Deli pickles
Baby carrots
Potato options: organic frozen french fries or baked potatoes

This meal is so easy to make! Just put a little olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Use enough oil to coat the pan. Sauté the veggie burgers on each side until they are lightly browned. Serve on wholegrain hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, and all your favorite condiments. (You can also make this same meal with “veggie dogs” in place of veggie burgers.) Baby carrots make a quick and healthy side dish.

For a potato side dish, try the healthy organic versions of frozen french fries available in health food stores. Potatoes are naturally nutritious, and these healthy fries use only high-quality oils—no hydrogenated fats. They’re an easy solution for a busy or tired cook.

Baked potatoes are also easy, but they take longer to cook. (Bake at 375ºF for 45 minutes or longer, depending on the size of the potatoes. Poke with a fork to determine when they are done.) This is a pretty light meal, so topping your potato with some butter and/or a little grated cheese is fine. If you’re trying to eat very light, try plain low-fat yogurt on your baked potato in place of sour cream. It’s surprisingly tasty!

These meals are so easy to make and so delicious that you’ll soon find healthy cooking a breeze. Bon appetit from your friends at Wai Lana Yoga!


Wai Lana's Weekly Message

Friday, January 23, 2009

Getting Vegetarian Protein Is Easy

Getting Vegetarian Protein Is EasyWhen shifting to a vegetarian diet, one of the biggest concerns for some people is protein. They may worry when concerned friends ask, “Where are you going to get your protein?” But rest assured, you can always answer, “From everything I eat.” After all, when nearly all plant foods contain some protein, it’s quite simple to go vegetarian with little to no protein planning at all. I have been vegetarian since my teens. My children, now grown and lifelong athletes, have been vegetarian their entire lives, as are their children. All of us are busy, active, and energetic, and none of us has ever been protein-deficient. In fact, a well-rounded plant-based diet gives you not only ample protein, but also superior protein to animal sources.

How Much Protein Do We Eat?

Most North Americans consume more protein than they need. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends about 50 to 60 grams per day for the average adult, yet many people are consuming close to 100 grams a day—nearly double. The reason for this is overconsumption of animal foods—mainly meat, poultry, fish, and eggs—which typically contain 20% to 50% protein. The FDA recommends that only 10% of our calories come from protein.

Studies have linked prolonged protein overconsumption to common modern-day health issues such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and liver and kidney problems—to name a few. These conditions may also be the result of nutritional deficiencies since many high-protein animal foods come in poor nutritional “packages.” In other words, these foods often come hand in hand with unhealthy saturated fats and cholesterol. They also commonly lack fiber and many vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients. So when we choose such “poor packages” to increase our protein intake, we may inadvertently contribute to a range of health problems, including an increased risk of colon cancer.

How Much Do We Really Need?

Protein is necessary for tissue growth, repair, and maintenance, but how much of it do we really need? Perhaps the greatest indicator of the human body’s protein requirements is human breast milk. Breast milk nurtures the body throughout its most concentrated stage of growth and development—for which protein is essential. Breast milk, however, is only about 7% protein—much less than the 30% comprising many Western diets. As fully grown adults, it’s unlikely that our protein needs would exceed that of an infant who more than doubles his or her body weight in one year.

The US FDA’s recommendation for protein has been cut in half over the past twenty years as scientists continue to debate how much we need. Right now, North American experts recommend 0.8 grams per 1 kilogram of body weight (1 kilogram equals approximately 2.2 pounds). For the average adult, this would translate to about 50 to 60 grams a day, or 10% of our daily caloric intake.

Protein requirements can vary somewhat according to body type, age, level of activity, stress, pregnancy or lactation, injury, or illness, but it is still very easy to meet these requirements with a well-balanced plant-based diet. In fact, it is very difficult to eat well and be deficient in protein. To be deficient in protein, you’d have to be deficient in many, many other nutrients as well.

Which Plant Foods Contain Protein?

All of them. Some plant foods contain just a trace amount while others have an abundance. Protein is comprised of amino acids, eight of which are not created by the human body. These eight “essential” amino acids, therefore, must come from our food, and they can easily be obtained from a wholesome, varied vegetarian diet. Examples include dhal with rice and veggies, nut butter on whole grain bread, muesli or cereal with milk or yogurt, cheese with healthy crackers, and black beans with tortilla and salad. Tempeh, tofu, sprouts, amaranth, quinoa, broccoli, collard greens, and shiitake and oyster mushrooms are also excellent sources, with a range of 10% to 50% protein—well over the 10% recommended by the FDA.

Variety and Nutrition

So now that your protein concerns are gone, focus on choosing foods that offer a good nutritional “package.” Protein is important, but no more important than other key nutrients. Plants are by far the most nutrient-rich foods on earth. In fact, the American Cancer Society’s top 30 foods for cancer prevention are all plants. So take advantage of the wide variety of plant foods available to you and eat different beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Some easy ways to get extra nutrition (and protein) to your diet are to add chickpeas and toasted pumpkin seeds to salads, soy veggie “ground beef” to pasta sauce, tofu or shiitakes to stir-fries, or lentils to hearty vegetable soup. Lightly steamed or sautéed dark leafy greens like collards, chard, spinach, and kale make a great side dish, packed with nutrition and protein, or add them at the last minute to stir-fries or soups. Make barbecue tofu sandwiches, portobello mushroom burgers, or TLTs (tempeh, lettuce, and tomato). Opt for whole grain bread and pasta, which contain about 50% more protein (and other nutrients) than their refined counterparts.

Remember, if you’re eating enough healthy food, you’re eating enough protein. So relax and enjoy your veggies, including this delicious, nutritious soup.

Recipe

Wasabi Green Pea Soup

The peppery flavor of wasabi, or Japanese horseradish, subtly permeates this flavorful pea soup, gently stimulating your metabolism and invigorating your lungs. Light yet sustaining, this protein-rich soup will energize you without making you feel heavy. It’s perfect for weight-watchers—though you wouldn’t know it upon tasting.


Ingredients

Tips/Variations

6 cups water

2 cups chopped parsnip (3-4 parsnips)

Oil spray

1 cup firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

4 Tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos or tamari

4-1/2 cups frozen peas (defrosted, 20 ounces)*

2 tsp wasabi powder or paste or to taste

1 tsp salt or to taste

*If using frozen fresh peas (not pre-cooked), add them in step 1 along with the parsnip.

Procedure

1. Place the water and parsnip in a 4-quart pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes or until tender.

2. Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium heat, spray with cooking oil, and add the tofu cubes. Pan-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most sides are golden. Spray more cooking oil when necessary. Add 2 tablespoons of the Braggs or tamari, stir, and cook for another minute or so until dry. Remove from heat.

3. Remove the soup from the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons Braggs or tamari along with the peas, wasabi, and salt. Allow the peas to blanch until tender.

4. In batches, place the soup in a blender and blend until smooth. Return to the pot, add the tofu, and stir through. Ladle into bowls and serve.

Hands-on prep time: 5-10 minutes

Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Total time: About 25 minutes

Makes about 8 cups
Source

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Feeling stressed? Do yoga!

Ever feel so stressed you're not quite sure what to do? Or .. are you experiencing menopause or know anyone else who is? Menopause doesn't always have to be a very unpleasant time in your life. Recently that article on how hormonal balance is key to menopause came out. Yoga does just that- so .. I'd say, do join Wai lana's relaxation club or let someone else join it. It's done wonders for me and my menopausal mother.
Relaxation Club
As the epidemic of modern society, stress takes a heavy toll on our bodies, minds, and relationships. Wai Lana's Relaxation Club provides a welcome sanctuary of relief and relaxation.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Wai Lana's Asana of the Week: Easy Boat

Easy Boat
Build strength and stamina as well as the core muscles that are essential to a healthy back.

1. Lie on your back with your feet together. Place your arms by your sides, palms down.

2 Inhale and raise your head and feet about 10 inches from the ground, leaving your arms on the floor. Keep your legs straight and point your toes. Retain your breath or breathe lightly as you hold for 5 to 10 seconds.

3. Exhale and come down. Relax your entire body, letting your feet fall outward. Repeat 3 to 5 times.

Focus in the Pose...
Feel your abdominal muscles working and becoming stronger. Notice how easy it is to relax after doing this pose.

Benefits...
• Energizes your whole body
• Releases nervous tension
• Strengthens your abs and thighs
• Stimulates digestion


Click here to watch the video

Friday, January 16, 2009

Surprise Yourself

Surprise Yourself

One way to get better at yoga is to imagine it. While I'm not advocating pushing too hard, sometimes just imagining you can go further into a pose will get you there. It gives you the will to try just a little harder. For example, if you're doing Bow, visualize the beauty of the pose: the graceful arc formed by the arch of the back, the legs lifted high, feet moving back to open the chest. Then make your body into that shape—not violently or suddenly, but using your intelligence, your breath, and gradual movements from the inside to achieve the best pose possible.

So next time you're doing a pose you find difficult, instead of doing it halfheartedly, thinking, "I can't do this pose," try this little trick of mine. Say to yourself, "I can do it." Use your mind's eye to see yourself a little deeper in the pose and then go there.

By the way, this will also help you hold a pose longer. Summon up your willpower, take deep, even breaths, and see yourself holding it longer, a second at a time. You'll be pleasantly surprised when you see just how well you can do!

Wai Lana's weekly message

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Massage

Massage can do wonders for you physically- and what hatha yoga does is it actually massages your internal organs, hence the great health benefits of hatha yoga. I mean, our organs are all beat up day in and day out, so it's definitely a must to do your hatha yoga everyday - or at least thrice a week if you can.

Wailana has some jasmine massage oil now, and man- I LOVE jasmine. I'm going to go get myself some soon.

Sleeping too little raises risk of heart disease: Japanese study

Get good sleep and exercise!
Sleeping too little raises risk of heart disease: Japanese study

Sleeping less than 7.5 hours a day may raise the risk of heart disease in elderly people, especially those who have elevated blood pressure at night, a study in Japan has found.

Scientists monitored sleeping patterns of 1,255 elderly people with hypertension and of an average age of 70.4, and followed them for 50 months.
Sleeping less than 7.5 hours a day may raise the risk of heart disease in elderly people, especially those who have elevated blood pressure at night, a study in Japan has found.
Sleeping less than 7.5 hours a day may raise the risk of heart disease in elderly people, especially those who have elevated blood pressure at night, a study in Japan has found.

During the followup period, the researchers recorded 99 strokes, heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths, and found more of them occurred among those who had less sleep.

"The group that had both shorter sleep duration plus the riser pattern (elevated blood pressure at night) had a 4.4 fold increase of cardiovascular disease compared with those with longer sleep duration," the researchers wrote in the latest issue of
the Archives of Internal Medicine.

People are generally sleeping less in modern societies. But getting adequate sleep is essential to preventing problems such as obesity and diabetes as well as several risk factors for cardiovascular disease including sleep-disordered breathing and night-time hypertension.

"Shorter duration of sleep is a predictor of incident cardiovascular disease in older people with hypertension particularly when it occurs with elevated night-time blood pressure," wrote the researchers, led by Kazuo Eguchi at Jichi Medical University in Japan.

They also urged that elderly people with such symptoms to be monitored more closely.
Source

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Wai Lana on Youtube

Have you watched all of Wailana's videos on Youtube? If not, make sure to drop by here: Wai Lana on Youtube.com

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Exercise During Pregnancy Benefits Mother and Child

Do yoga with Wailana Yoga... prenatal care.. it'll help you keep toned during pregnancy, and lose weight afterwards.

Exercise During Pregnancy Benefits Mother and Child

One of the best ways to give children a good start at long-term heart health may be exercise during pregnancy, according to a study conducted by researchers from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and presented at the 121st annual meeting of the American Physiological Society.

"When the mom exercises during pregnancy, the unborn baby gets the same type of training effect that you would see in an adult," said researcher Linda E. May, "so you see the lower heart rate and also improved heart rate variability, which is evidence of improvements in the nervous system of the heart. Maternal exercise may be the earliest intervention to improve the heart of children and possibly the best."

Researchers used magnetocardiography, which is a magnetic, noninvasive version of the more well known electrocardiogram (ECG), to measure the heart rates and heart rate variability of fetuses between every four weeks between the 24th and 36th weeks of pregnancy. Half of the mothers studied were instructed to do 30 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise three times per week, while the other half were given no exercise instructions.

At every measurement between 28 and 36 weeks, the fetuses of women who exercised had lower heart rates than the fetuses of more sedentary women. At 32 weeks, these same fetuses had higher heart rate variability. The difference remained at 36 weeks, although it had lowered.

Both a lower heart rate and a higher heart rate variability are important indicators of a healthy heart.

While prior studies have conclusively demonstrated that exercise during pregnancy is important for the health of the mother, this study is one of the first to show that benefits beyond healthy birth weight may also be transmitted to the unborn child.

"This study suggests that a mother who exercises may not only be imparting health benefits to her own heart, but to her developing baby's heart as well," May said.

The researchers are planning to test their hypothesis again on a larger group of women.

Source for this story include: www.reuters.com.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Ancient Beauty Secret: Do Yoga

It's amazing to see how beautiful Wai Lana is. It's as if she never ages. I'm starting to wonder if all her videos were like.. filmed from ages ago, but obviously they aren't. Here's her secret:

Ancient Yoga Secrets for Radiant Natural Beauty
Anna Montage, Health and Wellness Editor

We all want to look and feel our best—it’s only natural. The secret of yoga is this: You don’t have to spend a lot of time and money or undergo painful cosmetic procedures to exude radiant natural beauty. Here are some well-kept secrets for how to enjoy health and beauty.

Secret One: Fresh juices nourish your body from the inside out, giving you that healthy natural glow.

No beauty product can give you the natural radiance that comes from nourishing your body on the cellular level. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices are a powerful source of nutrition for each and every cell in your body, providing them with enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. If you juice regularly, you will experience a noticeable improvement in the texture and quality of your skin. Your energy will increase and you will begin to crave nourishing, wholesome foods. Drinking fresh juice is one of the most powerful ways to jumpstart your personal natural beauty program. Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of adding fresh juicing to your daily life; it is actually quite easy (and so delicious). Check out Wai Lana’s Favorite Juices for a tantalizing array of fresh juice recipes.

Secret Two: Yoga nourishes every gland and organ in your body, giving you youthful energy and vitality.

Yoga is a powerful exercise for enhancing your personal beauty and youthfulness in so many ways:

• Yoga balances the delicate hormones that control nearly every function in your body, enhancing the health of your skin and hair
• Yoga rejuvenates tired internal organs by improving circulation
• Inverted poses bring fresh blood to your head and face, improving skin and muscle tone
• Yoga firms and tones your muscles and helps to keep them supple and flexible
• Yoga improves your coordination and balance, leading to graceful posture and gait

Wai Lana offers a variety of yoga videos for every level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Secret Three: A plant-based diet is a must for any natural beauty program.

The powers of plant nutrients are proclaimed on nearly every skin and hair product, and for good reason: Plants are full of wonderful rejuvenating properties that will enhance your natural beauty and longevity. However, rather than just focusing on the power of plants from the outside, why not nourish your whole body from the inside? A plant-based diet will help keep you feeling young and beautiful for many years to come. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts and seeds, as well as a moderate amount of dairy products, provide all the nutrition you need for radiant natural beauty—without weighing you down. The ancient science of yoga also teaches that a vegetarian diet is more compassionate, allowing you to care for other living beings while you care for yourself.

Secret Four: Relaxation and meditation give you that inner peace that is so attractive.

A sweet smile is so alluring, whether it’s coming from a young person or an old person, a tall person or a short person—it doesn’t matter. But too much stress makes it difficult to feel relaxed and peaceful, and stress is hard to avoid in our society. Take a little time every day to cultivate your ability to relax and experience the inner peace that will help you to transcend the stress and strain of everyday life. Yoga meditation is a powerful method for inducing inner peace and relaxation. Wai Lana’s CDs—Rest and Relax, Yoga Sound and Yoga Music of the Heart—all contain the soothing sound vibrations that will make it easier for you to relax and smile every day.

Secret Five: Simple, all-natural beauty products bring the final touch to your natural beauty program.

Thankfully, there are many bath and beauty products available that contain all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients. These products are better for you and better for the environment. Many common beauty products contain chemical ingredients that are not good for you—they may even be toxic over the long term or cause allergic reactions. Read labels and stick with the brands that emphasize natural purity and safety.


Thankfully, there are many bath and beauty products available that contain all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients. These products are better for you and better for the environment. Many common beauty products contain chemical ingredients that are not good for you—they may even be toxic over the long term or cause allergic reactions. Read labels and stick with the brands that emphasize natural purity and safety.


Wai Lana's News Letter

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Wai lana's Soup Book


I just received my Wai Lana's Favorite Soups book, and I am floored by the beautiful pictures and equally delicious sounding recipes. I have yet to try the recipes yet, but it's just great. I love all the tips and extra tidbits in it- i.e., extra juice recipes and what not. It's definitely a GREAT buy.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Quit smoking, do yoga

It is always difficult for people to quit smoking. Many of my relatives and friends smoke, and just a few weeks ago, one of them died from lung cancer. It's always a heart breaking thing to go through. Let yoga help you get rid of the habit.

Kick Nicotine with Yoga
People often ask me whether yoga can help them quit smoking. It can. Practice the asanas in fresh air, focusing on the breath. Pay special attention to pranayama, yoga’s breathing techniques. After all, for some, smoking is just the urge to breathe deeply, and you will with yoga!

The more yoga you do, the more you’ll become aware of your lungs and how yoga makes you feel overall. You see, yoga enhances your lung capacity, oxygenates your cells, and increases circulation, energizing your entire body. Smoking does the opposite. If you practice regularly, one day you just might find that breathing fresh, clean air feels and tastes so good that you won’t want to inhale harmful smoke into your lungs anymore. In addition, the discipline you get from yoga and meditation can help you find the strength to kick the nicotine habit.

Wai Lana's Weekly Message

The news about the dangers of cell phones is incredible already, and well- for smokers, this will be a good way to reflect on why you smoke.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Miracles of Fasting

Here's a nice little article to explain the wonders of fasting:
The Miracle of Fasting (Part 4) - Advanced Tissue Cleansing

After a 36 hour fast one becomes more comfortable with the fasting process, having experienced the benefits of certain herbs and detoxifying baths. By that point you will likely become more curious about additional beneficial herbs and methods of cleansing. Certain herbs such as Yellow Dock and Sarsparilla help make the other common fasting herbs like Burdock more effective, while enemas can accelerate the cleansing process. Those topics are discussed in this article.

Colon Cleansing

During a fast, it is surprising to learn that headaches and other pains seemingly unrelated to your lower body are often relieved after a bowel movement. According to Dr. Bernard Jensen, there exist "neural arc reflexes" where the sections of the bowel correspond to different parts of the body. When these areas become congested different parts of the body are affected.




But instead of doing enemas, it is much better to cleanse your body from inside out. Whenever I fast, I drink the different juices from Wailana's Juice Book because more than any other type of fasting, I have felt the huge difference in how her juices make me feel and clean out my body of toxins!

Happy fasting! :)

Best Wishes for 2009!

I hope for all the best this year.

I have set many goals for myself this year, and one of them is to try to get strong enough to do Wai Lana's Fun Challenge Series, which I have yet to even embark on!

Patience, patience... it's one of those virtues that has always seemed to escape me quite often, but for the past year since I have been practicing yoga quite regularly, (and loving the meditation and relaxation!) I feel that it has made me a much, much better person.

I love yoga! And not just any yoga, but Wai Lana Yoga!