The Best Thing About Yoga

The best thing about yoga is that there is no “right” or “wrong”, no mistakes and no apologies. Your body is strong enough to carry you through exactly what you need to do, and in the end, your best is more than enough.

At the end of a long day, sometimes a good level three power yoga session is exactly what you need. I utilized my second class at Shine On Yoga for a fabulously sweaty hour and a half. I walked in feeling like a rock and walked out feeling like a rock star. That, my friends, is the marker of a good class.

Pre-class: Breakfast for dinner!

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You really can’t go wrong with a scrambled egg + toast combo. It’s substantial enough to power you through a workout due to its combination of protein, fat and carbs, but it doesn’t weigh you down.

This morning, I had sweets on the brain. Luckily, I’d made a version of overnight oats inspired by chocolate chip cookie dough.

chocolate chip steel cut overnight oats

My version was extra chewy from using steel cut oats (rather than the traditional rolled variety).

Steel Cut Overnight Oats

Technically, I cooked these beforehand and simply allowed them to chill/absorb overnight, but does it truly matter in the grand scheme of things? It still yielded a cool, chewy breakfast that was ready to eat straight out of the refrigerator!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Steel Cut Overnight Oats

Vegetarian (Vegan, depending on protein powder used), Serves One

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup steel cut oats
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I used Tera’s Whey)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/8 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

  • Bring water to a rapid boil; add in oats and banana. Cover pot and remove from heat. Allow the oats to set for 10-15 minutes.
  • Stir in protein powder, chia seeds and vanilla extract.
  • Place pot (on a hotpad) in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, dish up and top with chocolate chips.

chocolate chip oats

So simple, so delicious! Although I must say, it was a bit odd eating cold oatmeal!

Off to do the work thang. Hang in there, kiddos, it’s almost Friday!

What is your favorite thing about yoga? If you don’t practice, what is your favorite thing about your workout of choice?


11 Comments on “The Best Thing About Yoga”

  1. Picky Nicky says:

    Omgggsssh those oats look amazing!! I was actually JUST wondering how I should use up the little bit of oats that I have left. I’m so making this!!! 😀 Thanks for sharing!

  2. I love that about yoga too! I mean, sometimes I’ll go crazy trying to master a pose, but letting go of that is more important than getting the pose right. That’s a great lesson we don’t get too many other places.

  3. Those oats look awesome!!!!!
    My favorite pre-workout meal or snack just so happens to be egg and toast! hahaha

  4. Sarah says:

    Yes, I love yoga! I love that I have to be present in order to fully benefit. Yoga is such great practice for life.

  5. Meri says:

    Ahhh, chocolate chip cookie oats… the best reason to get out of bed I’ve heard yet!

    I love about yoga that you can always try just how much you want, and maybe push it and stretch further, but it really is impossible to compare yourself to anyone else. Freedom!

  6. leashieloo says:

    Breakfast for dinner is the bestttt!

  7. I love overnight oats! The first time I made them I actually thought you were supposed to cook them first and then leave them in the fridge overnight…hehe.

    I love yoga, and what I love most about it is how I feel afterwards…relaxed, stretched, glowy, etc.

  8. God I love yoga. For SO many reasons. I love being unplugged – not looking at a screen, typing, listening to ipod, etc is one of the many!

  9. I enjoy kickboxing at the gym. It is good exercise for me. I think yoga would be something I would love to try.

  10. Chocolate chip cookie dough overnight oats!!!??? Genius girl!

  11. The oats look fabulous…My overnite stuff always comes out awkward tasting…Maybe it’s because I get too creative and add stuff like pretzels?!


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