The New Milk and Cookies

on September 18, 2010
in All Posts

Stand-out breakfast!

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Who needs milk and cookies when you can have a CAFFEINATED Green Monster and cookies?

 

Oh Green Monster – you look scary but you are quite wonderful and tasty.

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In the mix:

 

  • 1 cup almond milk (vanilla)
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 tablespoon brown rice powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon flax
  • 2 cups organic spinach
  • 1 packet Starbucks Via

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Smoothie of champions!  I loved the addition of instant coffee.  It took way less time to make breakfast AND it tasted really good!

 

With one of those homemade oatmeal cookies that my neighbor brought by (so nice of her!):

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I am off to an Ashtanga Yoga class.  I’m a little nervous because 1) the class is 90 minutes long (ohmigod) and 2) I’ve never practiced Ashtanga.

 

“Ashtanga (also spelled Astanga) means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, which refers to the eight limbs of yoga laid out in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The Ashtanga method of asana practice was interpreted by Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois from an ancient text called the Yoga Korunta, which described a unique system of hatha yoga developed by Vamana Rishi.” (Read more at the Source)

 

The only catch to me going to this advanced class is I promised the Husband I would also go to an introductory class with him in the evening (he doesn’t want to go alone).  So that means I’m going to have quite the day of yoga!  Never a bad thing. 🙂

 

I “learned” yoga with the Baron Baptiste style of hot yoga, which I thought was a great, solid foundation for yoga.  I tried Bikram, but it wasn’t for me at all.  What styles have you practiced?

{ 68 comments }

 

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) September 18, 2010, 9:41 am

    Ive only ever done Ashtanga yoga, and that was following a DVD. I’d love to do more, it looks so fun!

  • Karen September 18, 2010, 10:05 am

    I usually do just vinyasas (Hatha, I guess). I’ve never taken a Yin yoga class, but from what I understand it to be, I think I practice that sometimes on my own (just get into a pose and hold it for, like, 15min; it’s more of a restorative practice.) I tried one Bikram class so far. I MIGHT go back once in a great while, hot yoga is definitely not for me as far as a regular practice!
    I really want to try an Ashtanga class, but I’ve been too chicken so far! LOL Can’t wait to hear how you like it!

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! September 18, 2010, 10:08 am

    I did a 30-day bikram trial last summer, and it really wasn’t for me, either. I have not consistently practiced any other form of yoga, so I’m looking forward to hearing your impressions of Ashtanga!

  • Evan Thomas September 18, 2010, 10:08 am

    I practiced the yoga known as “On Demand” 😉 90 minutes?! Wow, good luck with that! I do 35 when I do it and that feels strenuous.

  • julie September 18, 2010, 10:09 am

    I love vinyasa but recently tried Bikram. I DID NOT like it either. Too militant. It was so stressful for me. I’m relieved and validated to hear you didn’t like it either because everyone I’ve met just LOVES it. (i thought there was something wrong with me.) I am dying to go on a yoga vacation somewhere. Not a spa, but a real yoga retreat in a lovely spot – like Mexico or the Caribbean. If you hear of any good ones, post!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin September 18, 2010, 10:10 am

    I’ve only practiced Bikram in a studio and I loooove it. I’ve done “On Demand” ones too but never any other kind in a studio.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) September 18, 2010, 10:21 am

    I have never been to a class and only did stuff from tv shows on fitTv. I want to do more and my husband has expressed an interest too. He is really interested in Tai Chi. I need to look around and get into it. Have a great day!

    • Caitlin September 18, 2010, 1:00 pm

      My hubby really wants to try tai chi, too!

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 18, 2010, 10:22 am

    I have never practiced Yoga, although I’ve tried a few yoga classes on Exercise dvd — but I think I need the help of an instructor to make sure I’m doing the moves correctly. I don’t want to hurt myself!

    I love the title of your post. Very appropriate 🙂

  • christina cadden September 18, 2010, 10:22 am

    Breakfast looks good. Have fun at yoga!

  • Whitney @ Whitinspired September 18, 2010, 10:24 am

    I’ve done a lot of Hatha. I’m slowly working my way into it, I’m just not one who likes to sit quietly with my thoughts and do the same movements over and over. I’m not good at relaxing.

    • Caitlin September 18, 2010, 1:01 pm

      you would therefore love baron!

  • Wei-Wei September 18, 2010, 10:28 am

    It’s the new Monster Milk! Special edition: GREEN flavoured! Become a zombie just in time for Halloween! RRRRROAAAAAAAAWRH!

  • Camille September 18, 2010, 10:29 am

    I have actually only tried yoga one time and I don’t know what it was called, but the instructor kept telling me when to breathe and I got really frustrated and vowed to hate yoga forever. I think I am over this though and want to try it again 🙂

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg September 18, 2010, 10:30 am

    Oh my gosh…adding caffeine to GMs could potentially revolutionize my life. For reals.

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write September 18, 2010, 10:32 am

    Wow. How long is his class? That’s a lot of yoga’ing! I love that you had cookies for breakfast.

  • Jess @ atasteofconfidence September 18, 2010, 10:33 am

    I tried Bikram about a year ago and didn’t like it. Maybe I should try something else?

    • Caitlin September 18, 2010, 1:02 pm

      i think bikram is very strict and militant. definitely try another style – bikram is sooo specific. you either like it or hate it.

  • Sammi September 18, 2010, 10:42 am

    Astanga Yoga is my favorite! It is like a peaceful strength workout! It definitely gets your heart pumping! Tons of downward facing dogs and warriors. Gotta love the sun salutations! Enjoy 🙂

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers September 18, 2010, 11:00 am

    Does “gym yoga” count as a style? 😉

  • Nathalie September 18, 2010, 11:02 am

    I’ve only practiced Kundalini Yoga so far and I am loving it! Although I still feel a bit self concious doing it. I really want to try different styles of yoga, but I have to read up on it. I get so confused with all the different styles!?
    Have a great time!

  • Nicole - yuppie yogini September 18, 2010, 11:04 am

    Good luck at Ashtanga….it is hard!

  • Shutupandrun September 18, 2010, 11:16 am

    I love the hot stuff – usually vinyasa in a hot room. Some Bikram, although the repetitveness is not my favorite.

  • Marla September 18, 2010, 11:22 am

    I love Baron Baptiste hot yoga, BUT I aspire one day to be like my advanced yogini sister who does ashtanga all the time (her main form of exercise)and she looks amazing and in great physical shape-she never gets sick!

    I think Ashtanga can be challenging especially once you get past the Primary Series level….I can’t wait to read your comments about it all!

  • MoniMeals September 18, 2010, 11:22 am

    I agree!My type of breakfast! As a matter of fact, I have a Brownie Protein Shake going on over here. 🙂
    I have done most all Yoga, I can tell you that Ashtanga (to me) is really intnese and harder. My favorite classes usually involve some good flow but then with good meditation too. 🙂 I like to work hard and then rest really hard!
    Have fun!

  • Jess September 18, 2010, 11:34 am

    Baptiste is where it is at! There is really nothing like it =)

  • Amber K September 18, 2010, 11:37 am

    What’s funny is I took three classes in college, but I couldn’t tell you what type of yoga they were! At the time I didn’t even know there were other kinds!

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat September 18, 2010, 11:41 am

    I’ve taken one combo class–Hot Power Fusion (Bikram and Vinyasa) and many Vinyasa classes. I’ve never heard of Baptiste before!

  • McKella September 18, 2010, 11:43 am

    My college actually offered yoga classes as PE credit, so I took those and got a nice, well-rounded survey of different styles. Basic hatha of course, Ashtanga, Kundalini. We did mandalas, chants, cleansing exercises and read bits of yogi texts. Awesome, awesome class.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit September 18, 2010, 11:43 am

    I hated Bikram too. I like Baron Baptiste. Now I’m trying rasamaya and ashtanga. I like doing different styles 🙂

  • Jaime Runs September 18, 2010, 12:02 pm

    I did a 90 minute vinyasa class last night and it was so hard! I have only done Vinyasa. I want to do hot yoga, but I get too overheated so not sure I’m going to like it all that much.

    I would love to do Ashtanga. Sounds awesome.

  • Kelly September 18, 2010, 12:03 pm

    I do vinyasa and thats my favorite. I can’t stand 90 minute classes though, I’m an hour of power type and I can’t relax at the end if I know they are “keeping us longer” haha.

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair September 18, 2010, 12:05 pm

    I go to Bikram a lot because it’s all my city really has to offer for hot yoga. It’s grown on me the more I go but it’s definitely NOT my favourite. I really love Ashtanga, I just did a class on Monday night (sometimes my Bikram studio has guest instructors) and it was HARD. Probably the most difficult hot yoga class I’ve ever done, but it felt good. I also really enjoy Moksha yoga.

  • Heather September 18, 2010, 12:07 pm

    I never thought to put coffee in it, interesting!

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) September 18, 2010, 12:13 pm

    I love those via packets in smoothies. YUM! I’ve had them in oatmeal too. I love coffee.

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape September 18, 2010, 12:15 pm

    I’ve done the ashtanga style but only with DVDs. I went to a couple classes here and there but I honestly can’t tell you what the style was. All I know is it was at 6:00 AM and after a few sessions I realized that I am so not a morning person, lol.

  • Cyndi Eggers September 18, 2010, 12:25 pm

    Just wanted to thank you for inspiration and education. I set a new 5K PR this morning, 23:18. I think having my family there for the first time helped, too – I usually leave them in their beds 🙂 Now it’s back to training for the half and tapering. Thanks again – I’ve yet to try a green monster but if I take on the full marathon challenge I will have to give it a whirl!

    • Caitlin September 18, 2010, 1:04 pm

      YAY CYNDI!!! Good job!

  • Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman September 18, 2010, 12:30 pm

    Ooh, looks good and great idea putting the Via in there! The only change I would make would be using fresh, whole milk from our dairy;) Cookies look great also!

  • C. September 18, 2010, 12:33 pm

    I just started hot bikram yoga and after only 5 sessions, I’ve noticed that my muscles are thoroughly being stretched out good, I’m getting better and uninterrupted sleep and my digestive tract is moving better too. Bikram’s tough, especially in the heat and also the fact that my classes are all 90 minutes long, but I guess I really like it because all the poses are the same, but it’s the fact that it’s MY yoga and MY experience that really motivates me to keep going at it. Hope your ashtanga class goes well!

  • Lizz @ Leading the Good Life September 18, 2010, 12:38 pm

    Coffee in a green monster? I wouldn’t have thought of that! Although I just tried one of those Vias at Costco yesterday. Quite good!

  • Stacey (The Habit of Healthy) September 18, 2010, 12:39 pm

    Enjoy your day of yoga! I would really love it get into yoga but I don’t like paying for classes. That’s why I like running so much, because it’s free! I have done a couple of yoga things from You Tube videos and I really like it. Those cookies look adorable.

  • caronae September 18, 2010, 12:41 pm

    I’m a good old plain vinyasa girl! I like intermediate-advanced vinyasa classes the best. I tried Bikram once or twice too and was not into it. Blech.

    Have fun with all your yoga-ing today!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) September 18, 2010, 12:46 pm

    I haven’t tried many but I love hot vinyasa. It helps loosen me up and the flow is amazing.

    I don’t have a good studio nearby so I do a lot of TV or DVD yoga.

  • Heather September 18, 2010, 12:49 pm

    I’m a Bikram girl, but I lot restorative yoga as well (don’t know the proper name for it but my friend is an instructor and had a class at her house one night and that’s what she called it).

  • Gloria September 18, 2010, 1:00 pm

    Holy crap Ashtanga is INTENSE! I love it. Hardest thing I’ve ever done.. the marathons and century rides I’ve done didn’t even come close, for me. I didn’t even know the human body can twist into those positions. You’ll love the challenge 🙂

  • Susan@MomSwimBikeRun September 18, 2010, 1:06 pm

    One of these days you will convince me to try the green monster. Why am I so “skeered”?

  • Sana September 18, 2010, 1:28 pm

    I have never tried yoga for more than 1 class. I am more of a heart pumping cardio kind or person 🙂

    • Stephanie September 18, 2010, 1:42 pm

      Bikram and the other heated yogas will definitely get your heart pumping! Give it a try!

  • Stephanie September 18, 2010, 1:42 pm

    I’ve been practicing Bikram yoga for about 10 months. I love it! It is difficult for everyone at first, but after three or four classes (maybe five or six), people tend to have a breakthrough moment (if they didn’t love it from the first class). I was l=hooked after the first class. You have to invest yourself. I was going through some turbulent times after recently being laid off from work, but the yoga gave me a new challenge to set my sights on, and I learned a lot about maintaining my focus in the process. Have a good day.

  • Ann September 18, 2010, 1:58 pm

    Hi,

    I’ve been reading your blog for a while now so thought I’d finally comment and tell you how much I salivate most days looking at your foods lol. I hope you won’t mind that I included you in my blog roll at my new blog 🙂

    Ann

    • Caitlin September 18, 2010, 2:00 pm

      hi ann! welcome to the blog world!

      • Ann September 25, 2010, 7:17 am

        Thanks Caitlin…I think out of all blogs I read yours is my favourite x

        • Caitlin September 25, 2010, 9:51 am

          <3

  • Holly September 18, 2010, 2:03 pm

    I LOVE Power yoga. I think its a great combination of the traditional hatha with some cardio mixed in. I take a class where its not as hot as Bikram but hot enough…about 90 degrees!

  • Britney September 18, 2010, 2:24 pm

    I don’t know a lot of the styles…so I don’t know what I learned initially. This week I’ve been going to the Baptiste Power Yoga Institute. I keep buying groupons for different studios and trying introductory specials (there’s tons of yoga studios in Boston!) so I still have a lot to explore.

  • Lauren September 18, 2010, 3:33 pm

    I do Bikram Yoga. I like the repetition of the class, and that you can move into a more challenging version of the posture with more experience. I love the “cleansed” feeling that I get after the class.

    I was introduced to yoga in college, and had actually gone to a yoga class where psalms were recited! I don’t go to that class anymore, but yoga is a great way for stress management and to practice meditation & stretching.

  • Ramona September 18, 2010, 4:00 pm

    I’ve tried Bikram a few times. I hated it the first time and vowed not to return. I did it again with a friend and liked it much more. The heat level and amount of sweat distract me too much, so I prefer a hot class wiht a lower temperature. Our studio has a “Restorative” yoga class that I really love. It helps to open up the hips after running.

  • Jenne September 18, 2010, 4:53 pm

    I loooove Yoga, so much. I have done Hatha once…not for me. I like Ashtanga, or Vinyasa classes. In Hot yoga I do Baptiste, or Moksha. I’ve been practicing faithfully for 3 years, and just when I think I have something mastered, I take a different class and it totally throws me for a loop….so congrats on trying something new and rediscovering your practice!

  • Kim @ Kim Lives Healthy September 18, 2010, 5:16 pm

    I use that vegan protein powder too – the chocolate flavor!

    Some of those yoga poses look painful!

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad September 18, 2010, 6:10 pm

    I practiced Jivamukti yoga in Charleston. It’s totally crazy…the instructor brings his accordian, sits it on the floor and plays it at the beginning and end of class. So weird, but so yoga ‘zen.’

  • Katie @ peacebeme September 18, 2010, 6:54 pm

    I am so envious of everyone that can do yoga! I can’t do it because of my nerve disease and it sound so amazing. Glad you all are enjoying it though!

    • Caitlin September 18, 2010, 11:00 pm

      <3

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin September 18, 2010, 7:38 pm

    The only yoga I’ve really done is the yoga stretch classes offered at my campus gym, plus a few random sequences I’ve tried on my own. I’d really like to explore the different styles though!

  • mm September 19, 2010, 12:19 am

    Ashtanga is BY FAR my favorite style of yoga. I hope you enjoy it!! I took Ashtanga classes twice a week for about 2 years before we moved, and I miss it so much!

  • Joanna @ landanimal.wordpress.com September 19, 2010, 1:27 am

    Love this so much! I happen to have been seriously digging on some homemade vegan oatmeal cookies lately and I am always a green smoothie fan. Yum yum!

  • Kimberly_FeLix September 19, 2010, 1:16 pm

    How was Ashtanga. It is awesome, serious “power yoga,” but you leave feeling so strong and powerful.
    I “learned” yoga through Vinyasa which is amazing because it’s great flow yoga. You move so smoothly and embraced the breath. I also enjoy hot yoga, and ashtanga. I have been meaning to try Yin yoga and that’s next on my list– yin= holding poses for forever, getting a great stretch and embracing the feminine/soft side of yourself. Who doesn’t need that?

  • Rachel Randolph October 16, 2010, 7:22 pm

    I love the idea of adding instant coffee to a green monster. I have to have my coffee, but it takes me forever to drink coffee and a green monster all in one morning. It’s more liquid than this girl can handle. (I’m way behind on my google reader, but am catching up today…hence the way delayed comment!)

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