Yoga and Chocolate
April 24, 2015
Yoga is a well-known model for reducing stress and practicing mindfulness. Recently, it’s been infused with mindful eating practices as yogis across the country indulge in wine, food, and chocolate before, during, and/or after their sessions.
What do yoga teachers and chefs have in common? Taking out the distractions of everyday life so that we can enjoy and appreciate things like moving and eating on a higher level.
There has been a significant increase in so called "yogis" and "foodies" in the past decade, all who are interested in healthier bodies and clearer consciences. It was inevitable for the two groups to overlap as they have both become noticeably mainstream.
The yoga industry now represents about $6 billion in annual spending by American consumers on classes, videos, mats and apparel. Source: NYTimes.com
In North Carolina, one class taught by Sonya Costello, teaches a workshop that includes yoga, chanting, singing, chocolate, and sisterhood. Participants begin by practicing mindful eating with delicious chocolate.
They warm up their bodies, sync the energies with singing and chanting, then journal their intentions, and seal them with yoga nidra. Costello says, “Women, yoga and chocolate just make sense. Women love to connect with other women, and most women love chocolate — especially really good, healthy chocolate. Bringing us all together in a sacred, safe place to practice feels supported and empowering.” Source: MountainX.com
A little further North in NYC, Exhale Spa holds a series of “Yoga for Foodies” sessions devised by a young, adventurous yoga teacher, David Romanelli.
First, participants did an hour of vigorous yoga, then indulged in a multi-course dinner of pasta, red wine, and chocolate served right there on the floor on their yoga mats.
The session is designed to allow participants to taste and smell while in a heightened state of awareness. “People are starting to push back against the traditional, quiet, serious approach,” says Romanelli, who has a very regular-guy aura about him.
Mr. Romanelli calls his mission “yoga for the everyman”. He wears sweatpants instead of spandex yoga pants, offers chocolate truffles to his classes, and plays Grateful Dead songs instead of spa sounds. “It’s a way of getting people in the door,” he said in an interview.
“The world is a better place if people do yoga. And if they come because chocolate or wine is involved, I’m fine with it.” Source: NYTimes.com
Photo "Yoga Class" by Evan Lovely is licensed under CC BY 2.0 /Cropped from original
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