I mentioned in my last post that I’m back at hot yoga. I’ve been at it for a month now, and I’m so happy I went back. Remember my mission to complete the Learn to Run 10k program? Well, I tried so hard to love running…I really did. There were only 3 runs a week, and I really enjoyed them. My body, however, did not. My right hip is already pretty bad, and running only made it worse. Not only that, my left side started to compensate, which screwed up my left knee. Half the time I was limping and sore. I went to the chiropractor often, and even started needing massages. Healthy exercise should not make one feel like this. I even started gaining weight because I was in too much pain to work out.

Fast forward to hot yoga, and it is actually healing my right hip. Because of this, there is also no pain in my left knee. My anxiety has improved a lot, and I sleep like a baby every night (I frequently tend to experience insomnia). When I get into the practice room, I feel at peace. I always go 20-30 minutes early so that I can just lay there and relax. When I’m there, my phone can’t ring, I can’t check my email, and the only thing that’s important is peace. While I do enjoy practicing at home, there is something to be said for going to class. This week’s focus for Grow Your Yoga is actually called ‘Be Peace,’ where the goal is to get in 10 minutes of meditation everyday. I’m so on it. (To learn more about this year’s Grow Your Yoga, you can read my last post.)

Bonus: I’ve maintained a weight loss of 8lbs in a month! They came off in only 12 days, and now the weight loss is slowing down a bit. But honestly, even if I didn’t lose any more weight, I know I’ve found the workout for me. I’m sticking with it.

Anyhoo, for those that are here for the recipe: I am still obsessed with my Vitamix. Like, can’t imagine how I lived without it for so long. You can make this recipe in another blender, but will likely have to make sure that you mince your ginger and garlic first, and then heat the sauce in a pan before pouring it over your stirfry. Either way, it’s so worth making! I’ve cooked this up a few times now, and both Dallas and I love it. It’s also great to use as a dipping sauce for rice paper rolls. Enjoy!

peace, love, food <3

Char, xo