Tag Archives: vitality

From the founder of YogaFit…

It’s time for a ZENtervention. We at YogaFit and YogaLean are here to revitalize society. Physically. Mentally. Spiritually. To empower all people, no matter who you are, to achieve wellness, and in doing so, to transform lives for the better.

It’s as much a personal journey as a far greater one. Because the better we feel – as individuals, communities, and society as a whole – the more we can accomplish. Put simply, we want to bring wellness to the world.

What we offer is a new way of living, based on the philosophy of yoga, to transform yourself inside and out. It’s about creating and sustaining a balanced lifestyle that touches every aspect of how you live – from fitness and food to meditation and giving back – for realizing total mind body vitality. It’s what we call whole life wellness.

We understand that sometimes people need a catalyst to realize a more holistic approach to their overall wellness. We’ve developed YogaLean to do just that – YogaLean is principles for achieving optimum health and well being. YogaLean sets us on a journey to whole life wellness and positive transformation. It’s about taking the first step: thinking differently to live differently. Being more mindful – of your body, your home, and your time – to reach your optimum.

Over 17 years ago, Founder Beth Shaw pioneered the practice of teaching yoga. Embracing the physical exercise, then its wider philosophy – this was where the vision of For Better Self began.

Starting out of the trunk of her car with a passion to help people feel better and live life more fulfilled, Beth founded YogaFit, today the largest yoga fitness education school in North America. Beth’s work has helped thousands. Now, she aims to bring that knowledge, education, and best practice to all, making it simple and accessible. So everyone can be their better self.

Broccoli Greens Tofu Stir Fry

Not only do I love to eat light and healthy foods, but I also do not like to waste food. When I had an opportunity to try broccoli and cauliflower greens I was elated! This was an opportunity to experience two vegetables I love in an entirely new way. UntitledI have used the greens as a side dish on their own and have enjoyed using them in stir-fry dishes also. The great thing about a stir-fry is that it is a way to use of vegetables that you have in the refrigerator. You do not need to have a large portion of any one vegetable to make a successful stir-fry. Each time you make a stir-fry you can use a different sauce as well. It can be an ever-changing recipe. Of course, when you find a combination you like, you may want to make it time and time again!

1 package EXTRA FIRM TOFU (Azumaya brand is Non-GMO and Gluten Free)

1/2 a box of Thai Kitchen Stir-Fry Rice Noodles or 2 Cups cooked rice

Vegetables (aim for 4 -6 cups uncooked):

5 Large Broccoli Stems/Leaves

5 Large Cauliflower Stems/Leaves

4-6 Garlic Cloves (depending on size)

I used 1 cup Tessemae’s Lemon Chesapeake All Natural Dressing/Marinade/Dip

1/2 Cup Vegetable Broth (Unsalted is preferable).

1. Decide if you wish noodles or rice. If you wish rice, start the rice cooking as step one. If you want noodles, wait till the vegetables and tofu are done. Cooking rice is 2 cups of liquid per 1 cup of dry rice. Cook a single batch if you are not interested in leftovers, double (or more) the recipe if you wish leftovers.

2. For crispier TOFU (omit this step if you are not looking for crispy), drain the package and allow some water to be removed. I place the tofu block in a kitchen towel and place it between two dinner plates for about 1 hour. This step can be done the night before, while you are at work, or skipped entirely.

3. Wash and chop the vegetables you are using. Try to make the vegetables into even sized so they cook at the same rate. With the greens and stems, I do put thestems in the pan a few minutes before the “leafy section”.

4. In a sautee pan place 2 TBSP Toasted Sesame Oil and the vegetables. Add the marinade and broth. Cook on medium heat. Stir from time to time. If you need additional liquid to soften the vegetables, add ¼ cup of water at a time.

5. After the vegetables have started, cut the tofu and place in a second sauté pan with 2 TBSP Toasted Sesame Oil. Sprinkle pepper on the tofu if you wish the additional flavor. Cook on medium heat and rotate the tofu periodically so all sides brown and form a bit of a crust.

6. When vegetables and tofu are done, turn the burners off and let rest for a few minutes. If you are making noodles, bring a pot of water to a boil. Once a running boil is attained, break the noodles in half and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and stir once or twice. Drain noodles.

On your plate put a bed of noodles or rice then add the vegetables. The tofu can be sprinkled on top or arranged in a pattern for a finished presentation.

Enjoy and savor the flavors!

Option: Sprinkle nuts or sesame seeds over the top.

Read more Gluten Free recipes at Healthy Recipe Variations Blog. Enjoy being YogaLean as you enjoy an active lifestyle and make healthy eating choices.