Berry Banana Smoothie

I’m officially signed up to teach a class at two yoga studios.

Holy shit.

My anxiety likes to chime in here and say, “Who do you think you are? You don’t know enough to teach other people.” To which I usually respond with, “Fuck OFF.” Anxiety can be such an asshole sometimes. Besides, I like to think my lack of skill will only make me more relatable as a teacher. I mean, who wants a teacher that’s perfect at everything anyway?

I joke about it, but I’m actually completely terrified to teach. Downright petrified. I can’t even get into a headstand without a wall behind me. Sigh.

One of my amazing friends was visiting from California this week and last week. We got to spend 2 1/2 luxurious days together, doing all the yoga, drinking champagne, and eating donuts. Those are basically my 3 favorite things. I got to practice teaching with her at the park, where we took some amazing/hilarious photos. I also particularly enjoyed going to a yoga class together, and then immediately hitting up the donut shop around the corner (while carrying our yoga mats). Clearly, I’m not one of those vegan/gluten free/no sugar/raw/all natural yogis. I do what I want.

This is the face of a future yoga teacher:

Here’s the pose done as correctly as I am able:

She got to try out Acro with me, too! I based her in her first Acro pose. I wish there was photographic evidence of this. Or, even better, video. There was a lot of squealing involved. I also helped her get into a headstand for the first time, which also involved a lot of squealing.

Anyway, I’ve been into smoothies lately because it was crazy hot a couple weeks ago, and I was tired of sweating before 8am. I usually do the banana peanut butter one that I’ve already blogged about, but sometimes I like to switch it up a little. This is one variation.

Also, it has come to my attention that my meals have become quite carb-heavy since switching to vegetarianism. If anyone has any suggestions as to how I can add extra protein and reduce my need to rely on carbs, I’d appreciate it. I don’t know how to cook lentils or quinoa properly, either, so I’ll be working on that in blog posts coming up. Right now I’m mostly relying on pasta, rice, and pizza dough (I know… .try not to judge me). Send me vegetarian recipes that you like, please!

Berry Banana Smoothie

1 banana

1/4 cup frozen mixed berries

1/4 cup orange juice

1/4 cup almond milk

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon flaxseed meal

2 dates (optional – for added sweetness)

1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds (optional – for added protein and iron)

Throw it all in a blender, and blend until smooth. Sip slowly on a hot day, enjoying the fact that you’re not covered in sweat immediately after showering.