September 16, 2009...4:54 pm

A Yogi Grows In Brooklyn

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I never thought I’d be sore from yoga. But, shortly after rolling out of bed yesterday morning, my body was ACHING. Despite the dramatic caps, I’m referring to the good kind of aching that makes you feel accomplished ;) . Nevertheless, soreness is soreness. And I was sore in places I didn’t know could be exercised. In honor of The Office’s premiere tomorrow, I’ll throw in a that’s what she said. But, mostly, I’m referring to unexpected innocent body parts like my ankles and elbows. Random, I know.

Monday’s 10:30p.m. dinner and 11p.m. ice cream “calcium intake” kept me full into the morning, so I wanted a light breakfast. Since my fridge is currently harboring a peach-packed produce drawer, I decided to try out this peach crisp breakfast that’s been on my mind since I found it.

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In the mix: sliced peaches warmed in the microwave for 90 seconds and topped with brown sugar and cinnamon; topped with 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt and honey; more cinnamon; topped with a 7 grain honey toasted TLC Kashi bar.

On a whim, I warmed the Kashi bar in the microwave for 20 seconds. What a wondrous whim that proved to be. Warm kashi –> even more of a peach crisp taste.

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One of the most satisfying DPAABs (desserts-parading-around-as-breakfasts) I’ve ever had. I strongly encourage you to try it.

My only criterion for lunch was that it properly fuel me for my second crack at Bikram yoga. My mind—and stomach—associate fuel with peanut butter and bananas, so lunch was a jazzed-up version of the trustworthy PB&B duo.

PB & Banana Quesadilla

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Ingredients:

-1 banana, sliced thinly

-1 whole wheat tortilla

-2 tbsp. peanut butter

-cinnamon

Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-low and warm on side of the tortilla for 1 minute. Remove tortilla from heat, and smear peanut butter on one half. Return to skillet, and add sliced banana to the other half. Reduce heat to low, and warm until the underside begins to brown and the peanut butter bubbles slightly. “Close” the tortilla, and brown on each side for 1 minute—pressing with a spatula for several seconds on each side.

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Melty PB & banana at its finest.

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Halved to decrease inevitable messiness, and accompanied by fresh figs and dried apricots.

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This would be the last impeccable bite. I’m still not sure how I mustered up the self-control to stop and take a picture instead of immediately inhaling it.

2 thumbs up to this lunch for being perfect yogi fuel :) .

***

Foodie’s Foray into Yoga – Day 2

Yesterday, I opted for the studio’s 6p.m. class because the 10:30 p.m. scarf-down-my-dinner necessitated by the 8p.m. class wasn’t really my foodie style. I figured a 6p.m. class would leave me home and showered by the not-ungodly-to-be-eating-dinner time of 8:30p.m.

Now, the title of this post does not refer to me. I do, indeed, live in Brooklyn. And, perhaps, I am a blooming yogi, but I’m no yogi yet. My title is in homage to last night’s instructor, who was the most hysterically entertaining embodiment of every Brooklyn stereotype… with a hint of yogi.

I am absolutely in love with my hometown, and I represent Brooklyn with the utmost pride. But the many stereotypes of loud mouths, cringe-inducing accents and aggressive behavior—while not characteristic of all Brooklyn residents—do stem from reality and run rampant through the streets of Brooklyn on a daily basis. I’ve grown to find this culturally-unique breed of Brooklyn-ites quite comical, though I understand why outsiders may be intimidated/offended/repulsed ;) .

Last night’s yoga instructor was definitely of this aforementioned breed. His demeanor was far more Brooklyn than it was Bikram. He basically pimp-walked into the class—boasting a speedini and an abundance of chest hair—and addressed the class with a “Ok, let’s do dis, you guys!”

He had that typical Brooklyn “I’m talking like I’m at a Yankee game” tone, and it definitely threw me off. Speaking as one of the few Brookly-nites who bears no semblance of a New York accent (it’s weird, no one in my family sounds like they’re from New York), deep Brooklyn accents always amuse me. Throw one into a peaceful yoga setting, and the entertainment potential of the accent transitions to hyperbolic hilariousness. That said, I definitely awkwardly giggled throughout the first few minutes of class.

I tried to ignore the comedic aspect of the instructor for the rest of the class—because I knew I wouldn’t be able to focus or reap all of the benefits of Bikram if I didn’t do my best to take him seriously. A few repeated phrases emphasized his intense Brooklyn-ness—such as, “Open ya body like flowah petal bloomin’” and “Just do it, you guys, keep workin’ on a cell-u-lah level”—during which I internally chuckled. But, other than that, last night’s yoga session actually felt more intense and rewarding than my first night. This could just be because I had a better understanding of the poses and what was coming next, but—surprisingly—his unique energy really worked for (and entertained) me.

I guess this just shows that yoga doesn’t discriminate against any shapes, sizes or wretched accents ;) .

Day 2 verdict: Still loving it, still feeling sore, still excited to go back for more!

***

I planned on having a monster salad for dinner, but I was weirdly in the mood for chicken. I rarely eat meat—only because I generally prefer the taste of veggies—but, on occasion, I crave it. Last night was one of those nights.

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I cooked the (gigantic) chicken breast in a little EVOO and garlic and topped it with roasted cherry tomatoes—fresh from the garden!

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On the side, I sauteed onions, peppers, mushrooms and carrots in Soy Vay—a.k.a. my a vegetable’s best friend. Soy Vay really does wonders for plain veggies when you want ‘em to pack a bit more flavor.

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What a well-balanced plate! I usually prefer the veggies, but last night the chicken stole the show. So, I ate all the veggies first and saved the best for last. When you like one part of your meal better than the other, do you eat it first or last? I always get the runner-up out of the way first. Maybe I’m just weird.

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Last night’s perfect bite: super crispy slice of chicken with mushroom and roasted cherry tomato. I died a little…

Come dessert, I still had my peachy crisp breakfast on the brain. But instead of repeating it, I opted for some peaches and cream. Know what I mean? (112, anyone?)

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BLISS.

The bottom of the bowl ended up pretty creamless, but—remembering my maple syrup + peach = deliciousness discovery—I threw on a little maple love.

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I hope everyone’s having a peachy keen hump day ;)

TWSS. Just another friendly reminder that The Office comes back mañana!

Namaste from a burgeoning Brooklyn yogi,

-Sarah


46 Comments

  • I save the best for last! Totally not weird, it’s the way to go lol.

    Those roasted cherry tomatoes look yummmmy! Yeah I can’t believe you were able to snap a shot for the quesadilla. I believe bananas and peanut butter are a match made in food heaven. And your peach crisp breakfast sounds divine :D I feel like you can’t go wrong with peaches though haha.

    You know what? That just reminded me of this book I read called “Ice Cream for Breakfast” about breaking the rules.. I like to think of ice cream as my daily dose of calcium as well! Edy’s has this yogurt blend brand that has “live cultures”.. maybe that counts as the yogurt in my breakfast too.

    Okay so this comment is getting long, but I can’t help it! Since you’re in Brooklyn, have you gone to Pennylicks, Vera Cruz, or Foodswings? I stayed at my friend’s place in Brooklyn for a bit over the summer and hit up those places :D

    XO

    http://www.ohonemorething.wordpress.com

  • Haha… I know that feeling of “yikes- muscles hurt that I didn’t know I HAD!” Good feeling :D

    I would have a really hard time keeping a straight face in a yoga class with a teacher who had such a strong Brooklyn accent!

    I like the look of that breakfast a LOT! Peach season is overe here… I think apples would work. I always eat my vegetables first and seperately- on a seperate plate usually! I LOVE them- no idea why I eat in the order I do…but it’s awesome because all the flavours get apprecciated by themselves. Mmmmm :)

    Namaste :)

  • good food all around! I haven’t done yoga for a few months because I had a bad experience with bikram… but good on you for staying at it! You can be my Yogini (?) on day!

  • Welcome to yoga the morning after…realizing you have muscles you never knew you had that are sore! It won’t always be that way unless you work a particular pose really deep or hold one for a long time. But I think it’s awesome you’re gettin into yoga…it changed my life and I became a yoga teacher as I mentioned to you in my last comment.

    Your little peach crisp action looks great, I just made a raw vegan apple crisp and posted it today…fall and crisps just go together!

  • I love the kind of sore that yoga makes me. So different!

  • Sore elbows? I have a sore lower left butt cheek today…you see, it’s normal to have pains in odd body parts :)

    Of course I remember 112 – whatever happened to them? They were so good! Now I can’t get that song outta my head!

    Your yoga instructor sounds like a riot. Laughing is good in class – it helps to relax our minds. I just hate it when people whisper to one another and think it’s quiet when it’s actually really loud!

    Nice peach crisp, too! I just made one the other day and will be posting the recipe very shortly. Your TWSS comments are killing me!

  • wow! pb and banana! classic combo. how come it seems like two tbsp is SOOO much?!

  • Glad you’re lovin’ yoga!! I need to do it more often because it has endless benefits for the mind, body, and soul.

    Your breakfast quesadilla looks so great! I might try it, but with apple slices inside instead… I’m weird about warmed banana, even though it LOOKS delicious!

  • southerngracesblog

    Yay for yoga!!! I am so glad you are enjoying it :) And your instructor sounds hilarious…love your reiteration of his accent ;)
    Girl, that PB and banana quesadilla…oh my word. I need that haha.
    Have a great night!!!

  • Yeah for doing Yoga!
    I am so glad that you are loving it thus far. The immediate soreness is worth it and your body will come to thank you if you stick with it for a while.
    p.s. I love your PB quesadilla; genius!

  • i always save the best for last…just like the vanessa williams song…

  • I love this post. So much deliciousness!!

  • I’m SO EXCITED for The Office to come back! Can not wait!

    “DPAABs” best way to start the day and your creation sounds like a hit! I was literally laughing out loud at your yoga piece. That’s hilarious!

    “Gettin’ freaky in my Bentley limousine, know what I mean” ;)

  • You are inspiring me to do more yoga!

    Also – I thought The Office was on THURSDAY?!? It’s tonight?! I will have to go look it up…

    Happy Wednesday!

  • 90 minutes of power yoga has been the best most muscle toning workout I have ever done. When I used to go often, I found muscles I never knew I had!

  • okay i’m so glad i found your blog- i LOVE it :) being a fellow new yorker (well, a long islander), we already have that bond haha

    all of this food looks AMAZING! a pb&b ques? omgggg i’m dying to try this. and anything with peaches? i’m IN! they have been to die for lately!

    i’ve never tried yoga (GASSSSPPP!) but you’re making me want to try it!

    ps- i’m considering moving to brooklyn- thoughts??

  • Your peachy breakfast looks soooooo good! mmm
    I am also a peanut butter lover so your quesadilla looked super good to me….except for the bananas. I cannot make myself like them. But I have never paired them with peanut butter. Maybe that would change it for me?
    When I have a plate of different food in front of me, I takes rotating bites from everything. I don’t just focus on one thing even if I really like it.

  • Girl you really know how to make a girls mouth water! those eats are seriously stellar! :)

    i need to start doing more yoga for sure! nice job girl!

    http://saladdiva.wordpress.com

  • Hi girl! Found your blog today. I def love DPAABs! :D Banana + PB = Heaven.
    LOL about that yoga instructor. :)

  • First off, I just have to give you a shout out for the amazing looking pb&banana quesadilla, just because I have a *slight* obsession with pb&banana…

    Also, your peach crisp breakie looks pretty stellar too.

    I’m with you on thinking I couldn’t ever be sore from yoga. However, after my first 60 min. session, the perception sure changed!

    Have a wonderful evening dear!

    http://www.foodieinthecity.wordpress.com

  • That banana/PB/tortilla combination looks incredible! I am definitely going to make one myself :)

  • definitely my fav food on the plate is consumed last! :)

  • you are soo cute. thanks for replying to my comment! omg. i’m glad i’m not the only one who was not in awe of that luna bar. i was underwhelmed. I LOVE PEACHES!

  • All of your food looks so good! I’m craving peaches now :)

    And yoga can make you sore! I did my first power yoga class a few weeks ago and couldn’t get over how sore I was the next day! Love it!

  • Me again!!! I think you may have inspired me to put bananas on my peanut butter “toast items.” I guess the worst thing that could happen is I give the rest to my banana lovin daughter!

  • ahhh i can’t wait for the office either!!!!! peaches & cream look delicious…haha totally thought of that song as soon as i saw the picture :)

  • I love the accronym DPAAB….cracks me up. Your lunch looks awesome! I would be afraid of the fillings sliding out during the flipping process…but that’s not going to discourage me from recreating that deliciousness!

  • haaaaaaahahahaha i can totally hear that accent right now! i would have been cracking up the entire timeeeeeeee! love that story! :)

  • Thanks so much for your comment on my new blog! You seriously dont know how much it means to me :)
    Your PB banana creation looks like heaven! Im convinced I could live off that combo for the rest of my life!
    Have a great day girl! :)

  • I hear you on the soreness. I hadn’t taken a yoga session for a couple weeks and, oh my, the hammies were screaming at me this week! That peach crisp breakfast looks so great.

  • cool 112 reference. clearly SOMEONE discovered smiley faces up in the blogosphere. love it when you wink at me thru the comp ;)

  • Ohmigosh that breakfast is to die for. I will have to try. Yum! And I love fresh figs. And dried figs. And all things fig!
    -Jessica @ http://howsweet.wordpress.com/

  • 1) PB quesadilla = insane
    2) Yoga = try bikram.. it’s the BEST
    3) I wanna live in NY
    4) I always save da best fo last
    5) Peaches n cream was my jam

  • yay for the office – holy woman, your eats look faboosh! that quesadilla is screaming my name, yoga is the best and peach crisp – hella yeah! plus, roasted cherry tomaters are best!

    have a good day!

  • That is quite possibly the most beautiful quesadilla I have recently laid eyes on–PBB is my absolute favorite. Rock on, with your nutty self…

    I had to laugh, because I always pick everything “else” out first and save the “good” stuff for last. I even do this with weird things, like sandwiches I cut in half–eat the small half first and save the bigger half for later.

    Weirdo, I know.

  • heehee, i wouldn’t have been able to restrain my giggles. but he sounds rather cool actually. hope you get him as an instructor more often.

    i always save the best till last. it makes sense people!

    L. x

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