Keep calm and listen to your inner goddess

As promised, I'm attaching the first of my daily yoga poses - The Child's Pose (Balasana).  

This is a simple posture, do-able anywhere (almost), whether at home or at work.  It only takes a few minutes to help you regain your centre, clear the mind, encourage deeper breathing and improved blood circulation, provide a gentle stretch for the hips, thighs, knees and ankles and release tension in the back, neck and brain! 

What I failed to take into account, though, was how "taxing" it would be to actually upload this video.  (If it still doesn't open, try this link: http://youtu.be/nR5cs0rBlF0 ).  So my big lesson for the day has been to keep calm and listen to my inner goddess!  And go and do another Child's Pose, of course!

I also promised a recipe.  So here's a quick and easy Winter warmer which, if you make enough, can keep one person going all week or feed a family of four nicely.

Spicy Carrot and Lentil Soup

5 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

1-2 teaspoons of cumin seeds (according to preference)

1-2 teaspoons of chilli flakes (according to preference)

4 tablespoons of red lentils

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

2 pints of vegetable stock

Half pint of milk

Salt and pepper (to season)

Freshly chopped coriander (to garnish)

Mini naan breads (warmed to serve)

In a saucepan, quickly dry fry the spices until they start to pop.  Remove half to use later for garnish.

Add the oil and carrots, allow to soften for a couple of minutes over a low heat.

Throw in the lentils and stir continuously for another minute.

Add the vegetable stock, stir and bring to the boil.  Once boiling, turn down the heat and add the milk and seasoning.  Stir and allow to simmer gently for 30 minutes (or until carrots soft).

Allow to cool slightly, then blend in a food processor.  You may wish to add more water at this stage to reach the right consistency.

Once ready to serve, re-heat gently, top with spices and freshly chopped coriander and a mini naan bread straight from the oven.  Simply delicious.

And nutritious too.  Carrots are super rich in beta-carotene and anti-oxidant Vitamins A, C and E. They are known to protect against all sorts of infections (particularly respiratory), skin and eye disorders and lung cancer.  They also protect against excess ultra-violet and radiation so, for all those who sit in front of a computer all day, if you want to stay young, healthy and wrinkle-free, eat plenty of carrots!

30-Day Plank Challenge:  I managed 96 seconds this morning - how many did you do?