Fuel Level

The other day my car let me know its fuel level was low.  I began to wonder...

• What are the signs my fuel level is low?
• What happens if I ignore them?
• What do I do to refuel, recharge and restore myself?

For my car, the first flash of this warning means 48 miles to empty and the second less than 30.  I go to the gas station before it reaches zero and there is no problem.  If I ignore the the signals from my car, it's toast.

My body and emotions warn me with sugar cravings, lethargy, irritability, aches, extra emotional responses, lack of patience, pains, etc.  Of course, I can blame these things on a number of things like stress from work, family or lack of sleep; however, blame does not fix my low fuel level.  Instead I turn to my yoga practice, music, book, or a friend.  Oftentimes a walk outside lifts my spirit and calms my nerves; however, when time or location do not allow I use my mind's eye and within a few deep breaths I'm there.

What will you do today to recharge?  Will you take a couple deep breaths right now?

Almond Milkshake [Dairy & Sugar Free]

Summer begs for us to satiate our sweet tooth with a cold treat. This milkshake is easy to make, full of flavor and filling. The vitamins, minerals and other nutrients come from their root source which allows the synergistic effects to help your body absorb and embrace the benefits.

I don’t follow a diet but rather make choices in what I eat to best support my mind, body and spirit. Sounds like it could be called a holistic diet then. Anyway for me, eating foods free from dairy, gluten, sugar, chicken and rice keeps me strong and full of life. I’m hoping you’ll love this treat too!

Almond Milkshake

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almonds (soaked)
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup (wet measure) medjool dates [about 15 medium sized dates]
• 3 Tbs. almond butter 
• 3 Tbs. raw cacao powder
• 2-3 tsp. vanilla extract 
• 1 Tbs. coconut butter
• Pinch sea salt

Directions:

1. Make almond milk by blending 1 cup soaked almonds with 3 cups of water and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. Pour 1 cup of the almond milk in ice cube tray.  2 cups of almond milk should remain.
3. Add 1/2 cup medjool dates as a wet measure.  To do a wet measure add the dates into the milk and measure by how much the liquid rises. With 2 cups of almond milk, you will add the dates until the milk rises to 2 1/2 cups. Make sure the dates are fully immersed in the liquid.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients (almond butter, cacao powder, vanilla, coconut butter & sea salt) to the blender of milk and dates.  
5. Blend well to emulsify the dates.
6. Chill the milkshake.
7. Add 1 tray of the creamy almond milk ice cubes 
8. Blend on low to break up ice cubes.
9. Pour & enjoy =)

Recipe inspired by Chaya-Ryvka.