Chocolate Yoga

CHOCOLATE YOGA

Yoga and a Healthy Raw Food Treat

This is a special event a few times a year at Maha Pura Yoga

Next Chocolate Yoga Day: Monday, February 14th 2011 at 7:45pm

Level: All Levels. Beginners welcome! You will tone, shape, stretch and strengthen your body while relaxing and rejuvenating your mind. Includes a small blob of raw chocolate to promote your health and happiness. You will love this class!

What is it? It's extremely healthy! I began these classes in 2005 after being inspired by a fabulous instructor from Hawaii, and as far as I know, this was the first class in Canada of it's type. The practice combines the natural high of yoga with the endorphin high of eating raw chocolate to facilitate relaxation, health and happiness. Still in it's infancy, chocolate yoga is quickly gaining in popularity. Normally, it is best to practice Yoga on an empty stomach. In this case, I still request that you do not eat 1 to 2 hours ( or longer ) before the class. We will enjoy the benefits of a small amount of honey-sweetened, raw cacao beans (which will not interfere with our ability to have an enjoyable and healthy Yoga experience) In fact, it will take your practice to a new and delightful level.

What kind of chocolate will we eat? We will enjoy chocolate in it's purest and most natural form. Sweetened Certified organic raw cacao beans from Nature's First Law (package shown above). Cacao is the seed of the fruit of an Amazonian tree. Called "the food of the gods", Mayans and Aztecs so revered the cacao bean that they were used as money! The raw cacao bean is one of nature's most nutrient rich and complex superfoods. Many of its unique properties are weakened or lost when cooked, roasted, processed and turned into the sugar and cream packed treat we know as chocolate. The cacao bean is incredibly healthy and contains less fat than an almond.

Why are cacao beans so wonderful? Cacao is the #1 source of magnesium of any food. This is likely why women crave chocolate during the menstrual period. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and is associated with more happiness. Over 80% of Americans are chronically deficient in Magnesium! Cacao is remarkable rich in the beauty mineral sulphur. Sulphur is essential for strong nails, hair and beautiful shiny skin. It detoxifies the liver, helps reduce mercury and supports healthy pancreas function. Raw cacao is the highest known source of anti-oxidants, many times higher than blueberries or green tea! Cacao contains subtle amounts of caffeine and theobromine. However, experiments have shown that these stimulants are far different when consumed raw than cooked. The aromatic substances released during roasting cause an excitement of the nervous system, however, these physiological changes were not noticeable in those that consumed raw, unroasted beans. Cacao seems to diminish appetite, probably due to it's MAO inhibitors. These rare MAO inhibitors allow more serotonin and other neurotransmitters to circulate in the brain. According to Dr. Gabriel Cousens, MAO inhibitors facilitate youthening and rejuvenation. Phenylethylamine (PEA) is found in chocolate. PEA is an adrenal-related chemical that is also created within the brain when we are in love. PEA also plays a role in increasing focus and alertness. Anandamide ( the bliss chemical) has been isolated in cacao. It is known as "the bliss chemical" because it is released by the brain while we are feeling great. Cacao contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease our bodies' ability to break down anandamide. This means that natural anandamide and/or cacao anandamide may stick around longer, making us feel good longer, when we eat cacao. Cacao is also high in calcium, phosphorus and protein. It has an ultra low microbe count and low acidity. A recent study showed that only one out of every 500 people who thought they were allergic to chocolate actually tested positive. Allergies to chocolate are quite rare. Typically the person is in fact allergic to milk and dairy products. The chocolate may have come into contact with nuts or soy. If you have any kind of severe allergic reaction to any foods please decline the treat.

Fun Fact: Montezuma, the famous Aztec emperor, had his vaults filled not with gold but with over 900 million cacao beans!

What style of Yoga do you teach? I have developed a style that embraces both traditional wisdom and modern science. I teach Hatha Yoga with some vinyasa flow while paying careful attention to alignment. My classes have a pleasing pace and are designed to tone, shape, stretch and strengthen all the muscles of your body while relaxing and rejuvenating your mind. I believe in modifying the poses to suit your body and it's strengths and limitations. You do not have to be flexible to do yoga with me! You go to my classes to develop a greater range of motion, gain more strength and joy and achieve your optimal health. I teach men and women of all ages and fitness levels. You will love the way you feel after one of my classes!

How do I register? Contact Carolyn at yoga@sentex.ca or call 519 824-8369 or just show up to any class and start!

Where are the classes? There are 2 convenient locations. The Central Guelph Studio is at the Guelph Montessori School, 151 Waterloo Avenue. The south end of Guelph Studio is at Performance Dance Academy, 340 Southgate Drive, just off of Laird Road. Click Here For Map