Yoga and Treat-time

Beach yoga is one of my favourite summer activities. Hearing the waves crash against the shore, looking up to see birds leisurely soaring by as you practice; nothing beats yoga by the sea.

And after a muscle wakening, spine limbering yoga class, sometimes a treat is called for. But not just any treat. A wholesome but sweet vegan treat.

This one has fresh Okanagan peaches, vanilla Coconut Bliss coconut milk nice cream and pure dark chocolate syrup, all resting on:

Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups black beans
• 2 T cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees, put all ingredients except chocolate chips on a blender and blend thoroughly. Mix in chocolate chips, line a cake pan with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes.

Put previously mentioned ingredients on top and treat yourself to a little slice of bliss.

Waterfalls and Berries

A hike up a mountain is one of my favourite things to do. Especially if there is a waterfall involved.

As I get a bit older though, I realize that how I fuel my body before, during and after a hike becomes more and more important.

I’ve found the hydrating qualities of fruit and veggies to be the perfect fuel for an active body, especially during the hot summer months.

One of my favourite pre~hike recipes is my berry smoothie bowl. This powerhouse recipe has hydrating, antioxidant and fibre filled berries (did you know that raspberries have the most fibre of any fruit?) and creamy coconut milk to provide the kind of fat that will do your body good.

Add a couple of dates for iron and healthy sugars to fuel my body as I trek up that mountain and I’ve got a body loving bowl of goodness.

Here’s the recipe:

• 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
• 1cup strawberries
• I banana
• 2 dates

Blend together, top with fresh raspberries and unsweetened coconut and you have a beautiful, nourishing smoothie bowl.