Santa's Cookies Get The Slimdown

You need to leave Santa the requisite cookies; however, you don't need to bore the guy with ho hum Chips Ahoy. Instead, try baking your own favorite, slimmed down recipe. Here's a great, low fat version of peanut butter cookies.

Enjoy!

Shopping For A Yoga Teacher?

Recently, a thoughtful reader inquired about what an appropriate gift might be for a student to give a yoga teacher for the holidays, so I promised to weigh in.

Receiving gifts from students around the holidays is always a pleasant surprise. More than anything, your sentiment in the form of a card or a personal Thank You is the greatest gift. However, if you'd like to brighten your favorite teacher's holiday with a present, consider three easy criterion first.

1.) How much would you like to spend?
2). What is the extent of your relationship with this teacher? (For example, if you take private lessons and spend large quantities of times with this person, a more substantial gift makes sense).
3). What kind of clues can you pick up from the teacher's style in class to inspire a creative gift-giving idea? Is your teacher always drinking tea before class? Does he/she play music? Does this teacher reveal clues of being a Red Sox fan or a fledgling cook?

Cost:
If you're hoping to streamline your costs, take the easiest, most direct route to good cheer: A $10 ($15, $20) gift card toward yogi-approved goods and services, such as Whole Foods, Starbucks, iTunes, or a bookstore (particularly if your teacher shares favorite passages and readings during class).

If you have a little more cash to spend, giving your yogi an experience during which he/she gets to receive the care and attention of someone else for change is always a welcome treat. Bodywork, for example, is a generous way to pamper hardworking instructors whose bodies often take a toll from the endless activity, hours on their feet, extensive practice, and, often, heated rooms that can deplete energy.

Relationship:
It's also nice when the gift reflects something about you. One of my most dedicated private clients was a big foodie, so he saw to it that I was able to take a pal for a swanky dinner on him when the occasion warranted it by generously giving a gift certificate to a posh, local restaurant. This is a huge treat for yogis. However, you'll want to be mindful of your instructor's eating habits if possible. To be safe, choose a restaurant that will have vegetarian options. Steer clear of steakhouses, just as a precaution. Another time, a female student of mine revamped my whole toiletry selection in one fell swoop- she worked for Lancome, so I was, literally, showered with soaps, lotions, lip glosses, eye creams, and the like. Another student was a tea enthusiast who stocked my cupboard with some rare and fancy brews to savor.

Personal Preferences:
Finally, if you know your yogi shops at Lululemon (and you'd be hard-pressed to find one of us who doesn't), swing through a local store; take the guesswork out of the sizing and stick to accessories or certificates. Or, maybe you've heard your yoga teacher chit chat about being a movie buff, aspiring cook, or having a green thumb? Movie passes, a hefty, healthy cookbook, or a blooming houseplant will make the teacher's off-duty hours more fun.

The key is for your choices to reflect the level of familiarly that you have with this person. In general, keep gifts somewhat yoga or wellness-related, and do maintain sensible boundaries (think: aromatherapy candle, not sexy-smelling perfume). Most yogis are easy to please, and remember, your presence in class is "presents" enough.

Elf of Health: Live Better, Stress Less

Saturday, Tip 20: Need someone to keep a watchful eye on your nutrition choices but can't pony up for a professional? Lance Armstrong's Livestrong organization has a great tool on its website to help you track your food choices and evaluate where improvements can be made. Befitting its function, the microsite is called The Daily Plate and gives health-savvy users a daily handle on what our bodies need to function best.

Sunday, Tip 21: Wallet looking a little too slim this season? Fear not; Shoestring Mag doles out brilliant, budget-friendly tips on everything from dining to design and fashion to finance, so that you can live "the good life for less," just as the site's mantra suggests. See, I bet you're feeling less stressed already . . .

A Boston Yogi Advises: "Pahk the Cah"

Here in Boston, we're hunkering down for a developing snowstorm. Last night, I vigilantly watched the news ticker, awaiting the cancellation of my classes today- until I realized that I'm no longer in school, which made for a disappointing experience all around. . .

We expect road conditions, traffic jams, and stress levels to be a bit of a bummer as well. So, why not park the car and walk as often and as far as you can until this thing blows over? Adding extra steps to your daily activity level is good for your booty, heart, and mood. Bundle up, and get out there!

What if you're reading OmGal.com from afar, like our Intent.com friends (many of whom live in balmier climes)? Pick the farthest parking spots and skip the escalators at the mall as you polish off (err, perhaps, begin) your holiday shopping this weekend. Walking is the simplest, most natural form of exercise we have. Just because the season gets busy or blustery doesn't mean you have to miss a step.

Stop Shouldering Your Burdens

Stress can settle just about anywhere in our bodies, manifested in countless forms- from a tense lower back to a crick in the neck to chronic headaches. For many, we literally carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. To help relieve tense shoulders, try gomukasana or cow face pose. Also, at various points throughout the day (perhaps while standing in line to make your holiday purchases or sitting at your desk), lift your shoulders up toward your ears and then roll them back. It's a simple movement, but it works. In turn, it will help improve your posture and ensure that your shoulders are fit for toting fun stuff, like yoga mats, hiking packs, and small children. As for that heavy burden you've been schlepping around? Set it down for awhile, if not, forever.

Quote: Pema Chodron

"Mindfulness is the ground; refraining is the path. Refraining is one of those uptight words that sound repressive. Surely alive, juicy, interesting people would not practice refraining. Maybe we should sometimes refrain, but not as a lifestyle. In this context, however, refraining is very much the method of becoming a dharmic person. It's the quality of not grabbing for entertainment the minute we feel a slight edge of boredom coming on. It's the practice of not immediately filling up space just because there's a gap . . . If we immediately entertain ourselves by talking, by acting, by thinking- if there's never any pause- we will never be able to relax. We will always be speeding through our lives."

-When Things Fall Apart, Pema Chodron

Today, despite the countless opportunities to speed through your life, take a few, deliberate moments to "refrain." Refrain from a useless, additional half-hour of TV; disengage from idle or gossipy conversation; shut your cell phone off. Reconnect with who you are without all the cultural accouterments. Breath deeply. Feel the immediate healing and rejuvenation that comes with this practice, even if for only a few, stolen, solitary moments per day.

A Slim Down Secret For Santa?

Even the man who eats countless cookies on Christmas Eve and chums around with gaggles of saccharin elves (who presumably provide him with a steady supply of sweet treats to keep the big guy's energy up in the toy factories of the North Pole and such) could whittle his middle with this cardio/cross-training kick butt workout. Give it a try; let me know how it goes.

Show Some Love!

'Tis the season to be merry and bright, right?

The above photo pictures me and Om Bro smooching our grandmother last Christmas. Today, for the health of your heart and the nourishment of your soul, show an unexpected amount of love (generosity, joy, attention, care) to someone in your life. Plant a surprise smooch on a loved one; drop a kind, handwritten card in the mail; pay for a pal's yoga class, or take a friend out for a wholesome meal. Embrace the act of giving for its own sake, and experience all the joy you receive in return. It's not a feeling you can wrap with a bow, but if you're lucky you might capture it in a photo.

2 Tips To Keep Om Pals Feeling Fine This Holiday Season Weekend

Today's Elf of Health tip is a two-for, mostly because this little elf was a oui bit busy and neglected to post one yesterday. My apologies. It won't happen again. Here are two healthy thoughts to tide you over till tomorrow:

Tip 12: Observe the "Kitchen's Closed" rule. I'm convinced that holiday-inspired meals and functions are not the biggest detriment to staying fit and feeling energized during the season of merrymaking. Instead, I tend to think that it's the leftovers, gift baskets, baked goods, and countless candy bowls lurking around every corner that cumulatively chip away at all the good choices we otherwise make. Much of this idle nibbling occurs in the evening. How often do you find yourself making leisurely trips to the kitchen to further whittle away at that leftover casserole or graze yet another dollop of frosting off that wedge of cake? To help contain this aimless eating, I like to think of the kitchen (and, subsequently, my stomach) as having "Hours of Operation." For example, my kitchen "closes" at 10 p.m. each night. After that hour, I make sure my work is done there (i.e. nothing is in the oven, no dishes left to put away, no reasons for being in there, and the lights are off). For many, this hour might come earlier; however, I keep late hours and often do not eat dinner until 9 p.m. For me, 10 o'clock is realistic. I've never been a fan of dietary advice that advocates not eating after 6 o'clock. Who are these people, and in which century are they living? You'll find that once your body gets into a rhythm, it's far less inclined to keep noshing after its standard hours of operation. Bottom line: enjoy your indulgences but contain them, in quantity and frequency.

Tip 13: The holidays provide plenty of opportunities to get glamorous, look dapper, and sport your finest- from head to toe, which means your feet start to feel the effects. Kick off your sparkly stilettos, knee-high boots with the sky-high heels, and sharp-looking albeit stiff loafers, and try toes pose today. It's tough at first but one of the BEST poses to add to your regular repertoire as a way to maintain happy feet.

Meditate For Mental Health

Elf of Health Tip of the Day: stop and take 10 deep, meditative breaths right NOW. Close your eyes if you can. Sit or stand up very straight. Relax the muscles in your face. Count: 1, 2, 3 . . . 10. There, don't you feel better? This is the simplest way to begin a meditation practice. Start with as little as 10 breaths but, ideally, 5 minutes per day. Build from there. It will change your life.

Elves Dig Green

Today's Elf of Health tip is simple: eat your vegetables! Many people over-complicate their nutrition plans by villifying certain foods, stocking up on others, and generally sucking all the intuition and enjoyment out of eating. Here's a useful barometer: eat what's closest to the earth first. If it was plucked from a tree or harvested from the ground- go for it! Of course, there are countless healthy foods that endure a bit more work; however, the more natural it is, the simpler its voyage onto your plate, the better off you probably are. So, today, get plenty of greens . . . or carrots or broccoli or tomatoes (you get the idea).

Catch Your Zs

Sleep is the body's way of healing itself. During the holidays, it's tempting to skip your standard amount of shut-eye in favor of all the merrymaking. However, consistent lack of sleep really takes its toll- fiddling with our appetites, coordination, mood, and much more. Just check out an article that appeared in Outside magazine back in June on the subject. Partly because it's intriguing and informative, but mostly because it's time for me to get some sleep . . .

Happiness Starts with an H(2O)!

This week: Be sure to stay hydrated. The act of drinking plenty of H2O has profoundly positive effects on one's health and mood. Being well hydrated will help you flush out toxins, avoid overeating, and stay energized on a daily basis and, ultimately, throughout the holidays. I love my Sigg water bottle. It's a great, eco-friendly way to get your guzzle on.

Holiday Recipe Hit: Tofu Pumpkin Pie

Today, the "Elf of Health" is giving up the goods in the kitchen. I made the following recipe for tofu pumpkin pie last night (just click the link for the recipe) and toted it along to a holiday fete filled with yogaphiles, posh health club personal trainers, and other healthy types with discerning taste buds, and the results were unanimous: this low fat, seasonal treat takes the cake, err, pie. While the recipe is vegan approved, plenty of non-vegans gave it a thumbs up too, including our friend, Tom, who claims he was born in a sub shop and weighed on a meat scale . . . Give a yogi a glass of wine, and you'll be amazed by the fantastical tales that flow freely.

Holidays Turning Your World Upside Down?

Today, I received an email from new om galpal, published author, and fellow yoga teacher, Josephine Selander of Sweden. (Together, we're planning a private retreat in January, when she'll next visit the States). I had to laugh at her succinct way of rounding up the frenetic pace of the holiday season by saying, " . . . you know how time has an interesting way [of moving] faster than ever sometimes."

Well said.

If this is the case for you, then chances are your yoga practice is feeling the time crunch too. Thus, "Elf of Heath" tips 5 and 6 will focus on maximizing what precious little time you might have to spend on your yoga mat. (My apologies for the lapse yesterday; the Internet Elf owes my apartment a visit to remedy some current technology issues).

Tip 5: If you simply cannot get to yoga class or manage a home practice (even an abbreviated one), one of the best ways to shift your energy, clear your head, and regain energetic balance is to do an inversion for five minutes, thereby flipping your world upside down. A headstand, for example, will give you energy before a holiday fete, while viparita karani soothes frayed nerves after a shopping trip at the mall. Both are highly potent, so just a few minutes will work wonders. In both cases, substituting an inversion for a complete practice is an accessible and effective way of staying centered.

Tip 6: Similarly, if you want to give your asana practice a serious "kick" (no pun intended), try kicking up into handstand (against a wall). This pose can charge up a shortened home practice or jump-start a practice at a studio before class begins. Since this movement is extremely invigorating- and, yes, meant only for veteran yogis- it quickly heats the body and readies the senses for an energized practice. Starting off a practice with 3 rounds of 10 breaths in each repetition of handstand will initiate a clarifying and strengthening outcome. Remember, your time during the holidays might be scarce, but your yoga inspiration need not be. Just keep checking back in with OmGal.com every day!

Smart Noshing at Holiday Functions

Countless health publications and experts continually underscore the importance of not arriving at a holiday fete famished, as a way to curb overeating. Instead, we're encouraged to eat an apple, drink some V-8, or nibble a handful of almonds to stave off the likelihood of arriving at the party and immediately chowing through the cheese display, thereby leaving a path of destruction and bread sticks behind us.

As practical and realistic as this tidbit is, we also need to account for the possibility of not having a healthy stash of produce in our handbag. It's the holidays, folks; some of us just can't manage that kind of planning. If it makes you feel any better, I realized I was wearing my clothes inside-out at the gym the other day. True story.

So, what is a gal or guy to do, having crossed a threshold into the land of copious amounts of food and drink, salivating at the sight of each temptation? Proceed directly to the vegetable and/or fruit display. Fill up one small plate. This will help take the edge off your hunger. Follow the veggies or fruit with a glass of water or seltzer. What you do after that is up to you, but at least, you've given yourself a healthy base and, ideally, avoided the tendency to fill up on the nutritionally empty items first.

Your goal should not be to skip temptations all together. You're human. It's the holidays. Enjoy yourself. However, taking a little extra care when it comes to making decisions will help you weather the season with greater ease and better health.

Tip Tree, Oops, I Mean, "Three"

Tree pose is a basic balancing posture that can take on new meaning during the holidays. Now, I'm not suggesting that you drape yourself in tinsel and wear a star on your head; however, you might consider the comfort and iconography of trees during the winter season and, of course, within the Christmas tradition.

Moreover, embrace the steadiness of a tree with deep roots; recognize a tree's ability to weather all seasons and adapt to its surroundings, and use the asana as an opportunity to pay homage to all the favorite trees in your lifetime. Perhaps you had a treehouse as a child or sat beneath your own "giving tree," to collect your thoughts and escape the world.

In order to make the holidays more joyful, spend time honoring the season outdoors. I live in one of the coldest climates of them all, Boston, but I am vigilant about getting outside every day. The fresh air and emphasis on natural surroundings- during a time that tends toward commercialism and material possessions- will help keep your spirits up and body active. The fringe benefit, of course, is that a 15-minute walk snuck into your lunch break or walking with your children to the bus stop in the morning helps stave off the extra calories you might be consuming in cookies, candies, and other holiday fare.

Finally, if you do celebrate Christmas and decorate a traditional tree each year, let the symbol of the season also be an inward symbol of your own yoga practice. We don't practice yoga simply for its own sake, on a mat, in a studio, isolated from the world. We practice yoga so that we're better able to embrace, honor, and experience the world. Trees included. All year long.

Elf of Health Dishes Tip 2

Treat an om gal or guy to yoga: Giving the gift of yoga is a perfect way to streamline your giving and put a healthy twist on visiting with friends this season. Instead of meeting a pal for a meal or drinks, suggest that the two of you grab a yoga class (pilates session, rock-climbing lesson, etc.) on you. If you want to catch up after class, opt for a nutritious meal or comforting cup of tea. The time spent will be good for the bodies and souls of you and your bud.

Om Gal on Your Side This Holiday Season

On one hand, the holidays are a magical time of year filled with the company of those we love, a spirit of generosity, and an annual opportunity for reflection and gratitude. On the other, it's a collective calendar hijacking wherein we lose weeks from our lives, spent battling the hoards at the mall, socializing with people with whom we otherwise wouldn't, over-indulging in less than wholesome food and drink, and forfeiting the routines and daily rituals that generally keep us sane. Overstatement? Perhaps.

Nevertheless, it's safe to say that at some point during the month ahead we'll all wish we had an elf or two to help us bear the load of our myriad holiday rites and responsibilities. A shopping elf to decipher who receives which sweater, toy, or trinket; an entertaining elf to stock the fridge, place flowers just-so in a vase, and bake the perfect dessert; or, perhaps, a simple handwriting elf, to mail the countless cards with nary the dot of a "i" from us.

While I possess some pretty sleek penmanship, I think it's best if I stick with what I know; therefore, allow me to introduce myself: The name is Om Gal, but for the purposes of your peace of mind this holiday season, I am your "Elf of Health," committed to bringing you one healthy, wholesome, om-savvy, yoga fabulous, fitness-inspired, life-simplifying tip, each day, throughout the holiday season. As always, feel free to add your own tips along the way.

Today's Tip: Volunteer to bring the veggies. Holiday parties don't have to be nutritional land mines, particularly if you have a hand in what's served. Bear in mind that what you eat the other 22 hours of the day has a greater impact on your body than a couple hours at the neighbors' house spent sipping egg nog; however, it's best to temper your indulgences with wholesome choices. If it's a house party, forego toting along a bottle of wine, and bring a large salad instead (include dried cranberries or figs for seasonal flair). Middle-eastern hummus platters are also cost effective and delicious options for feeding a group. Finally, bake crowd favorite No Pudge Brownies, and watch your list of friends multiply. Yes. They are that good. I don't lie about topics as serious as dessert.

Stay tuned for a new tip every day. I'll keep them short and sweet, just like, you know, elves.