The Opportunity of Adversity

by Dane Johnson

Adversity comes to us in many forms throughout our lives. In most cases, we have no choice but to learn how to deal with life's battles, even if it feels as if they are literally killing us. However - pain, loss, sorrow and all the feelings we hope never to feel are what allow love, joy, and happiness to be real. Without pain how could we know what love is? How could we identify it? Would you be willing to give up the feeling of love so that you would never have to feel pain? Life wouldn’t be much to live in that case. Depending on how you choose to look at adversity, even the hardest of times can be a blessing in disguise. 

         

          I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with such an adversity at a young age in my life. I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease/Ulcerative Colitis at the age of 23.. right about the time my modeling and acting career was taking off. I started having symptoms in my teenage years, but it was not diagnosed until later on. For those of you who are unaware of what Crohns Disease is, it’s an auto-immune disease which effects a persons digestive tract. It can be so destructive that in extreme cases it can lead to death. Seven months ago, after being in remission for 2 years, I had the worst episode I’ve had in the past 5 years. This one nearly took my life and left me bed ridden at 128 lbs from my naturally lean weight of 170 lbs. So drugged up and delusional, I was barely coherent. I spent my birthday and Thanksgiving in that hospital. I spent Christmas at home with my mother and sister Melanie. They helped me wean off of pain killers, sleeping pills, antivirals, steroids and antibiotics, while rubbing my legs which were to weak to be of any use to me. My body was so stressed I was unable to watch Disney movies because the minimal conflicts in the movies caused me pain. At that point, I remember death being less scary than the idea of living in this pain forever.

         

          Since then, I’ve gained 40 lbs of lean body weight and continued my career in holistic nutrition, modeling and acting. Holistic therapies have been the number one reason for my recovery, and I attribute much of my success to the power of the human body, love, and the nurturing ways mother earth has to offer us. When I encounter someone who has similar issues in their life or has someone close to them with similar issues, they are usually looking for a “secret formula” to recovery. I’m here to say there is no secret formula except to become a student of the human body, mind, and soul & apply the knowledge you learn to your own life. You will find the rewards are abundant in every facet you could possibly imagine. 

I consider myself lucky to deal with such a thing early in life. Most of us don’t face any real health issues until later on. When I think about “what’s good” about this tremendously testing and painful experience, I feel proud. I feel like a warrior who has an inner light so bright my energy and love brings great value to those around me. I know shame. I know discipline. I know faith. I know loss. I know pain. I know what it takes to succeed and I carry that with me everywhere. I carry that into an interview, to a date, to my loved ones, and to my choice to eat the Dorrito or not eat the Dorrito!!

         

          My teacher and naturopath doctor likes to say that the greatest energy always prevails and I agree with him wholeheartedly. No matter the issue in life, come at it with discipline, an open mind and open heart, willing to fail but also willing to love. I believe one of those doors you peak through will have an amazing gift which will feel much like Christmas morning. I must warn you if you are going to take on a giant, you are most likely to get squashed as I did…many….many….many times. The most important part of changing your reality is the ability to learn from your failure and try again. It’s also one of the hardest. But if you can, once the light is yours, you will forever be a changed person with a new understanding and appreciation for what life is in all its glory. You will be a warrior and your own kind of Michael Jordan in your own right.

         

          For those of you who struggle with your health and are looking for answers I do suggest a few things to give the life energy within you the utmost strength to recover. One of them is clean organic food and supplements. I also recommend you get a delayed food allergy test from a reputable company immediately. Even a food which seems very nutritious can be very toxic in the wrong body. I personally found things containing lectins hurt me (grains, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant). I can have them in small doses but only if cooked correctly and if the grains are repeatedly germinated to lower the lectins count (gluten-free as well). I rarely consume any diary, alcohol, caffeine, refined sugars, gluten and legumes. I find them all disturbing to my system. To live like this does an INCREDIBLE service to my life. Imagine what you would look like, feel like…How connected you would be to “you” if you discovered which foods serve your best health and which foods don't. Self empowerment is the great gift God gives us and I intend to learn how to use it to its maximum. I’d also like to point out the healthier I get the more my body can handle a variety of foods and stresses. So for those of you who are dreading this idea, I have found that once you are in a healthy state, you are able to have these things on occasion.

         

          As an avid fitness enthusiast, it’s been a huge struggle to find supplements that can help support my lifestyle without causing reactions. I was blessed to meet a nice young women by the name of Errin Smith at the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) 2 years ago who introduced me to NANOS I was reluctant to even give it a try as I had tried every supplement I could find at every health food store, and all of them seemed to hurt more than help. However, she seemed to know her stuff.. and after looking closer at the ingredients and treatments used to create their products, I became more intrigued. Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, no added sugar, a formula to increase digestive capabilities called SuperSorb and most impressively I could actually read and interpret every single ingredient! Now if it’s possible to ingest a natural and clean supplement, these guys have surely got the closest that I’ve seen! 

          Once I gave it a try, I noticed my body did very well at absorbing their Vegan protein, fishoil, and omega 3. I use them independently of food as I do not mix liquid with food to increase digestion. I’ve been using these products for 2 years now, and they have been a great asset in the difficult task of adding muscle back onto a body, which has extreme issues absorbing food. Six months later, I’m still not fully healed and I assume it will be at least another six months to find my strength, energy, and digestive system fully recovered. But as long as I’m going up, you’ll catch nothing but smiles on my face =D.

          When I become impatient or frustrated at my progression in any of my ambitions, I remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. Success is found when things are done correctly, even if the process is slower. When I start to lose faith, I remind myself that those who say they can’t and those who say they can; are usually right. When I’m overwhelmed I drop everything and celebrate the whole purpose of all this- Life.

Stay connected with Dane Johnson's journey on Instagram!

Morning Detox: Lighten Up with Nanogreens

If you're feeling a bit lethargic, having difficulty concentrating, and have an overall 'heavy' sensation in your body and your mind, a morning detox is the sure-fire way to lighten up. Even just one simple morning detox-flush can do wonders for digestion & elimination, and feed your body the nutrient-rich foods it's most likely craving. Nanogreens vegetable & fruit superfood contains the top 10 food for detoxifying your body through healthy, plant-based nutrition. No need for a fast.. nature provides everything the body needs to naturally cleanse and rid the body of harmful toxins that weigh you down. Below are 10 detoxifying superstars, all found in a single scoop of  Nanogreens superfood:


1.Beets

Beets are awesome. They are full of nutrients and are a great source of vitamins B3, B6 and C, plus beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron. They assist our liver and gall bladder in breaking down toxins, and their fiber is great for digestion and elimination. 

2. Lemons 

Lemons jump-start digestion by stimulating the release of enzymes and Vitamin C helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that can be easily eliminated from the body. Lemons also help stimulate the liver and purify our blood.

3. Apples

Apples give our bodies lots of fiber and nutrients and help stimulate bile production, which the liver uses to release toxins. The soluble fiber in apples, pectin, is helpful in removing heavy metals and food additives from our bodies. Be sure to eat only organic apples, as conventional apples are some of the most heavily-sprayed foods around.

4. Leafy Greens

What we want from green veggies is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll rids the body of environmental toxins, heavy metals, herbicides, and pesticides. Aiding in detox, increasing oxygen content, and purifying the blood, greens are the essential building blocks of any healthy and vibrant diet. Nanogreens includes the nutrient-dense plant protein Spirulina, which contains a powerful blend of vitamins and minerals that boost energy, remove toxins and could even ward off serious health problems like cancer. 

5. Sea Greens

Sea veggies have antioxidants that help alkalize the blood and strengthen our digestive tract. The alginic acid in sea veggies absorb toxins from this digestive tract. They also have the broadest range of minerals you can find in any food! 

6. Broccoli

Broccoli contains important phytochemicals that aid in the detox processs. These phytochemicals stimulate detoxification enzymes in the digestive tract. They, too are extremely high in antioxidants!

7. Green Tea

Speaking of, you should all know by now that green tea is a great big source of antioxidants, one of which are catechins. Catechins increase liver function, which we want. Plus, drinking green tea aids us in hydrating our bodies. 

8. Artichokes

Artichokes increase bile production and both purify and protect the liver. They also have a mild diuretic effect on the kidneys, which aides in toxin removal once the liver breaks them down. Some studies have shown that artichokes may actually regenerate liver tissues (It is seriously all about the liver!). They are also super duper high in fiber, which, as we know, helps us with elimination. 

9. Parsley

Parsley is extremely rich in a wide number of nutrients, chlorophyll, and carotenes. It has been used for treating urinary tract infections, kidney stones, various gastrointestinal disorders, osteoarthritis, and anemia, among other conditions.

10. Cabbage

The king of the cruciferous vegetables, cabbage is full of fiber, which is good for our digestion and helps feed our gut bacteria. They are also celebrated for their anticancer benefits, as they contain more phytochemicals with anticancer properties than any other vegetable. These phytochemicals both increase the antioxidant defense mechanism in the body and help with detoxification of chemicals and hormones. 

So the only question is: If you can get all of these amazing detoxifying foods from one single source, feel lighter, healthier and more vibrant.. why wouldn't you? The Nanogreens superfood solution starts here www.nanogreens.com.

Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific

Beginners Guide to Essential Oils

New to the essential oils game? That’s ok. So was I until just a few months ago. I had heard people raving about them but my skeptical personality means I’m usually the very last person to jump on board, which is why you can trust me when I say that these essential oils are magical little bottles of the greatest natural healing & wellness I've experienced.. ever.

Here's what you need to know when getting started with essential oils:

What are essential oils?

Essential Oils are concentrated liquids derived from plants, trees and flowers.  When grown, harvested and distilled properly, they can have a variety of health benefits.  It is important to purchase pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils that are concentrated naturally through steam distillation, as the use of synthetic materials to extract oils will alter their properties and affect their therapeutic value. Many of the less expensive oils sold in stores and online are cut with alcohol, preservatives or diluted. Be sure to ask before you buy.

Three ways to use essential oils:

Topical application

Essential oils may be applied directly to the skin. Be sure to check the label on any oil you are using as there are slightly different recommendations for topical application for individual oils. Some oils may be applied directly from the bottle and some should be applied through a carrier oil such as coconut & grape seed oil. Read the instructions on the bottle for proper application.

Aromatherapy
The aromatic properties of essential oils stimulate the pineal gland (responsible for releasing melatonin), sense of smell and positively affect our bodies, moods and minds simply through inhalation. Oils may be inhaled directly from the bottle, your hands, bath or diffused in your home or work space.

Internal uses
While there are some essential oils that should not be ingested, many can be safely used in an empty capsule or combined in a favorite recipe or with liquids (Therapeutic-grade only, as lesser quality oils are often cut with preservatives and not safe for ingesting). Safety is key, so always check the label or with a health care professional first to ensure an oil is meant to be used internally.

*Please Note: Never use therapeutic–grade oils in plastic bottles – only use in glass or stainless steel. Therapeutic–grade oils are so potent, that they begin to break down the petro-chemicals and leech plastic particles into the water.

What do I use them for?

There are so many possibilities when it comes to how to use oils. Here is an infographic to get you started (click graphic to enlarge):

Essential Oils can be ordered through our affiliate distributor Tammy Fodrey. For more information about essential oils, contact her directly at tammyfodrey@yahoo.com

Spring Clean Your Way To Happy!

Oh how I love Spring! Out with the old, in with the new.. an opportunity to start fresh. It’s important to honor this time of year with a Spring ritual, to really feel the benefits of the change in season.

As Winter ends and Spring begins, here are four things you can do to Spring clean your life!

1. Home Re-set: Get rid of it

Time to clean out the closets. Donate items to Goodwill, clean out the fridge and pantry, deep-clean & de-clutter the house. Focus your efforts on what you need to clear away in order to feel lighter. All of that clutter is weighing you down. It’s time to lighten up!

2. Detox Cleanse: Your body will thank you.

Your body needs spring cleaning too! Cleanses boost immunity, increase energy, and help you shed that Winter weight. During a cleanse, the blood, intestines, and liver are cleansed and built-up toxins are released. It also gives you a clearer, brighter complexion. There are many different types of cleanses, from fasting, juicing, taking certain foods out of your diet, or try a Detox Package to help you get the most benefits.

3. Upgrade your energy

Wear vibrant, bright colors, invest in some high-quality Essential Oils and diffuse citrus and peppermint oil at home or at work, add an abundance of fresh seasonal fruits to your diet, open the windows and let the fresh air in, do your yoga practice outdoors. This will ‘boost’ your overall energy and make you a happier, healthier human being.

4. Re-connect: Time to play!

Renew connections with the world around you. Go for a long walk or hike. Call an old friend.  Say thank you to the barista at Starbucks for making your latte just how you like it. Plant a Spring garden. Hold the door open for someone. Tell your loved ones how important they are to you. Spend a little extra time with your pets!


Approach this new season as a great gift and a chance for re-birth! 

Yours Truly,
Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific

The Benefits of Bone Broth + DIY Recipe

There's an unlikely beverage that's taking the country by storm! It's the latest trend and apparently you need to know about it: the drink that everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Kobe Bryant is talking about. Bone broth is gaining popularity quickly because people know that it tastes amazing and keeps them healthy. And with age-defying, weight-shedding, gut-healing benefits, you may want to jump on the band wagon.

Here are a few key ingredients that make bone broth so nutritious:

• Collagen. This structural protein builds strong skin, protecting against aging and wrinkling. While expensive collagen skin creams work temporarily, dietary collagen is far more potent because it mainlines collagen to your cells.

• The gelatin derived from collagen heals your digestive tract, helping to prevent inflammation. It literally “heals and seals” your gut, promoting healthy digestion.

• Glycine. Your body is bombarded all day long with toxins that age you. Glycine helps your liver get these toxins out of your body, re-energizing and de-aging your cells.

• Minerals including calcium, silicon, phosphorus, and magnesium. Bone broth is a fabulous source of these anti-aging minerals, and its chemical composition makes them highly absorbable.

• Glycosaminoglycans, including glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. These nutrients keep your joints lubricated & flexible.

• Iodine. Bone broth is rich in this nutrient, which protects against a sluggish thyroid — a major cause of weight gain, thinning hair, and energy loss.

Consider this: Bone broth is one of the oldest healing and anti-aging foods on the planet. So if current science and hundreds of generations of healers say that bone broth works … isn't it worth a try?

How to make it:

Ingredients:

- One whole ,Organic Free- Range Chicken (2 to 3 pounds) You can also use high-quality bones or frozen leftover bones. You can use beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey bones.
- 4 quarts filtered Water
- 3 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 large white Onion, chopped
- 3 Carrots, chopped
- 4 stalks Celery, chopped
- 4 Garlic Cloves, whole
- 1 bunch Parsley
- 1 sprig Rosemary

Directions:

1. Fill up a large pot with filtered water.
2. Add vinegar, garlic, rosemary and all vegetables except parsley.
3. Place the whole chicken in the pot, bring to a boil.
4. Reduce to low heat & simmer
5. Let simmer for at least 8 hours.
6. Add the parsley 10 minutes before finishing the stock.
7. Strain through a fine, mesh strainer to remove fragments. You can use the veggies & chicken for another dish or keep them, but make sure all of the bone fragments are removed.
8. Transfer the broth to large mason jars for keeping in the fridge, leaving an inch of space from the top of the jar. If freezing, leave at least 2 inches of space.


Drink at least one cup of bone broth per day, adding fresh veggies, herbs & spices as you desire!



Cheers!


Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific

Men's Health: Foods You Should Be Eating Daily

I brought Nanogreens shots to the boys at Fire Station 5 in Carlsbad, California today!  I get to stop in regularly on these fellas as one of them is my husband.  I'm always amazed at the meals they make for their 'family dinner'.  As a group, they grocery shop together, cook together, and clean up together.  Every time I have been invited for dinner, the meal is well-rounded, healthy & made with tons of love.

Sadly, that's not the case for most of our guys out there.

Pizza, Buffalo wings, Mac n Cheese - we love you guys, and that’s why we think the stereotypical ‘male diet’ is due for a makeover. Times are certainly changing as men are recognizing that the first step to taking control of their health is paying closer attention to the foods they eat!

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of illness in American men, accounting for about 25% of all deaths, according to the latest statistical data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consider that the next leading cause of death among men is every type of cancer combined, heart disease is a major killer.

Focusing on eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and including vegetables as well as cutting back on red meat & alcohol all contribute to a heart health & overall wellness.

Below are some guy friendly foods to include daily:

• Vegetables - While all vegetables are good for you, some stand out above the rest. Cruciferous veggies such as Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts contain cancer protective phytochemicals called isothiocyanates. Not enough time to cook? Get your entire daily dose of veggies from Nanogreens

• Beans - Rich in fiber, beans help lower cholesterol and are also high in antioxidants. They contain B vitamins, folic acid & iron, not to mention they are super filling. Studies have shown that people who eat beans 4 or more times per week were 22% less likely to develop heart disease!

• Oats - Heart healthy oats deliver the perfect balance of carbohydrates, soluble fiber, and protein. There are 10 grams of protein in one-half cup serving! 

Makeover complete! Add in these heart healthy foods & take control of your health.
We love you <3



Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific

Tropical Green Smoothie

Channeling some tropical vibes from our Nano Girls who are at Wanderlust Oahu spreading the Nano LOVE!

Ingredients:

- 1 cup Spinach
- 1/2 Apple
- 1 cup frozen Pineapple
- 1/2 Banana
- 1 scoop Nanogreens
- 1 cup Almond milk

Blend & sip until your hearts content!

Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific

Chickpea & Butternut Squash Curry

With 5 winter weeks ahead, we aren't slowing down! Some of the most delicious produce grows in the winter, including butternut squash. No offense to zucchini, but the health benefits of winter squash seriously outweigh their summer cousins. Not only are they low in fat and high in fiber, butternut squash is rich in potassium and high in vitamin B6. It also contains high levels of beta-carotene, which has been identified as a deterrent against breast cancer. We've paired it with a few of our other favorite ingredients in this delicious curry to keep you healthy, warm & going strong for the rest of the season!

Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 chopped white onion
- 3-4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium butternut squash, skinned & chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- 2 tbsp. curry paste (pictured is yellow curry, but you can use whatever kind you like)
- 1 can light coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 bunch cilantro

Directions:
1. Saute onions and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Add butternut squash, chickpeas, coconut milk, water, curry paste & salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Turn the heat down to medium, cover & simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Test the squash with a fork, it should be soft but not falling apart.
5. Add frozen peas and spinach. Stir & simmer for 3 minutes until spinach cooks down.
6. Remove from heat. Serve over rice or eat just by itself, topped with fresh cilantro and shredded coconut.

Enjoy!

Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific

Fitspiration Friday!

Excited to introduce this amazing woman! Meet Candice Robinson, stay-at-home mother of four .. yes FOUR kiddos.. ages 8, 7, 6 & 4! When she’s not driving kids to practice, wrangling her youngest & doing the toughest job on the planet, being a MOM, she is sweating it out, inverting in headstand and strengthening her body & mind in yoga class.

TF: Other than your four kids, what gets you out of bed in the morning and why?!

CR: I became a morning person once I had kids, that’s for sure! But I really do love the fresh start of a new day. I start every morning with music and tea, this gets me going in the right direction. It's a chance to set the tone and pace for all that follows.

TF: How do you stay motivated and committed to your yoga practice?

CR: I look at it as something I "get" to do rather than something I "have" to do. It's the only time in the day that I can dedicate 100% to myself. I like to alternate between yoga and running, but I don’t hold myself to a strict schedule. Instead, I just listen to what my body needs. When I take care of myself I am able to give more. I am a better mom, wife, and friend.

TF: What are 3 things you couldn't live without in regards to your health regimen?

CR: Music! I like all kinds of music, but mostly Indie rock and folk. Hydration is key.. I try to stay away from sugar-filled drinks out there & stick with water. I couldn't live without my lulu lemon bottoms! I absolutely LOVE their pants for yoga and their shorts for running. I need clothes that stay put when I move and these do the trick. They are worth every penny!

Candice's tip:  "You can’t always control what goes on outside, but you can always control what goes on inside." I can't control what others do but I can control my own perception and reaction. I try to focus on working on myself, not others. It's always a work on progress.

Thank you for sharing with us Candice! You are an inspiration to Moms everywhere. As a mom myself, I am familiar with the importance of committing to self-care. Our health is the MOST important gift we can give to our children. We need our sanity just as much as they need us to role model a healthy lifestyle. It’s a win-win!

With a genuine personality and a playful yet grounded attitude, Tammy Fodrey speaks to the spirit inside each of her students. Tammy uses practical application of yoga postures with strong, engaging messages to encourage her students to break free from self-imposed limitations and create every opportunity to grow and thrive in life and on the mat. As an experienced yoga practitioner and teacher, Tammy’s classes are a mixture of rhythmic vinyasa flow and alignment based education of traditional yoga postures. Her classes are characterized as challenging yet gentle, as she inspires her students to stimulate self-awareness, vitality, and connection. Tammy

Superfood Spotlight: Matcha

Matcha is one of the top must-have superfoods because it is simply amazing! Matcha is a type of green tea that originated in Japan, where it is still used as a traditional daily practice. It isn’t your average cup of green tea though. Matcha is especially rich in chlorophyll since it never goes through heat during processing. It’s made from the same plant as green tea, but is treated in a different way. It has a buttery, slightly earthy, mildly sweet taste that is incredibly soothing.

Matcha is an antioxidant powerhouse, energy booster & stress reducer. It boosts metabolism, detoxifies, increases endurance, improves memory, & aids in lowering cholesterol.

Try this SUPER amazing Superfood smoothie & get to know Matcha if you haven't already!

The Green Matcha Monster:

1 cup spinach
1 tbsp. matcha powder
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped kiwi
1 cup almond milk
1 scoop Nanogreens (green apple flavor)
Ice for blending

Our smoothie is topped with chia & hemp seeds for an added Superfood boost!

Cheers!

Blueberry Ginger Smoothie

Food is medicine! For over 2,000 years Chinese medicine has recommended the use of GINGER to help cure and prevent several health problems. And with it so readily available, why not explore the benefits! Ginger root is the fleshy stem of a tropical plant and is usually treated as an herb or spice for cooking. Here are some of its known benefits:

-Reduces pain and inflammation
-Maintains normal blood circulation
-Remedies motion sickness/nausea
-Improves absorption of essential nutrients
-Fights respiratory problems
-Strengthens Immunity
-Natural treatment for cold & flu

Not sure how to take ginger or how much to take? Add it to your smoothie along with your superfoods!

Blueberry Ginger Smoothie:

1 cup frozen blueberries
1 small banana
1 - 2” slice raw ginger
1 cup spinach
1 cup almond milk
1 tbsp. raw honey
1 scoop Nanopro Vanilla protein powder

Blend all ingredients until smooth & ENJOY!

Fitspiration Friday!

It’s Fitspiration Friday! Meet Tara Steuernagel: Rock star runner, yoga devotee, mom and business owner! Tara is one of the most dedicated people I have ever met. She pulls off three runs AND three yoga classes per week.. effortlessly!

TF: What gets you out of bed in the morning and why?

Tara: I get up to see what life has to offer.  To get to see my wonderful son.  To live life & work on myself. Lately I have been refocusing and learning how to balance life for my family, my relationship with my husband,  as well as put some focus on myself.  I wake up excited to work on this and see what this new positive energy will bring myself and my family.

TF: Who and what inspires you? 

Tara: This has been a very long and stressful past few years. Moving from our home town to San Diego, then dealing with some health issues. I’ve met a few people this past year that have really inspired me with all their words of positive thinking and focusing on positive energy. Catherine Mazure, the yoga teacher I take classes with at Re:form Yoga in Carlsbad, has been a huge part of this for me. I am also very thankful for new friends in my life who inspire me every day.

TF: How do you stay motivated to stick with your workouts?

Tara: I get to go to my “happy place”.  I love the high I get from running.  I am a morning runner, because it’s such a great way to start my day.  The days I don't' run, I definitely miss it.
I am an early riser, so I try to get to bed early! My motivation to keep going is just how it makes me feel when I’m finished!

Tara’s Tip: Make time for yourself each day.  Don't let the stress that life can bring take over your life. You matter, you are important, and you need to take care of you too :-)  Focus on the positive and positive will come.


Thanks for sharing with us Tara! Keep inspiring us friends!


About Tammy: With a genuine personality and a playful yet grounded attitude, Tammy Fodrey speaks to the spirit inside each of her students. Tammy uses practical application of yoga postures with strong, engaging messages to encourage her students to break free from self-imposed limitations and create every opportunity to grow and thrive in life and on the mat. As an experienced yoga practitioner and teacher, Tammy’s classes are a mixture of rythmic vinyasa flow and alignment based education of traditional yoga postures. Her classes are characterized as challenging yet gentle, as she inspires her students to stimulate self-awareness, vitality, and connection. Tammy is a dedicated mother, yogi, runner and wellness ambassador whose ultimate goal is to find to grace and ease in a busy, fast-paced world. She offers group classes, facilitates workshops, and teaches private sessions in her community.

The Smoothie Bowl: Nourish & Glow

To glow on the outside is an INSIDE job! This bowl of goodness is packed with superfoods & antioxidants, and it's a great way to add fresh fruit to your diet. Discover just how much your body can transform itself by eating simple, clean whole foods! For those of you who avoid fruit because of sugars, we want to remind you that although fruit does have natural sugar, it also contains vitamins, antioxidants and trace minerals that support your health by assisting in energy production, cellular health, bone strength and immunity. So by all means.. enjoy fruit without reservation, unless advised otherwise by a medical professional. However, stay away from refined sugars found in packaged foods! Reach for some fresh or frozen fruit, add in your superfoods and your protein.. and feel the difference in your body!