V. Pennacchio H&W About 2.jpg

Hi.

Welcome to Healthy and Whole where you can find tips and information supporting the benefits of a balanced life.

Two months ago, in the middle of moving/work/packing, we talked about how nice it would be to sip coffee and look at the new property // Now, we’re finally here, and damn the view is nice ☕️ 🌳 • • • • • • • #
It’s amazing what travel can do for your spirit // It can remind you for all you have to be grateful for - able body, financial stability, clean water. It taps into your inner explorer - no plans, no schedule, just seeing how the day unfolds. M
Explored a new Regional Park in Sonoma County // Mark West Regional Park and Preserve. •• Not only are these spaces accessible to everyone, but parks decrease health care cost and loss of productivity costs by $17.5 million dollars a year i
Quality time is for sure the way to my heart, and the best way for me to feel recharged. Pair that with a kickass adventure, and I pretty much can handle anything the week throws at me // It took me many years, but I’m finally starting to maste
Monday challenge to appreciate your body // How we perceive ourselves - the words we think standing in front of a mirror or while putting on our favorite bikini - reflect outwardly. If we think positively about ourselves and appreciate what our bodie
Fun Fact Friday // The Keto Diet - is it sustainable, how does it work? When my honey wanted to switch things up, these were the first questions that came to my mind. My philosophy is always surrounding wellness, so I did some research to figure out
Three words: Crunchy peanut butter // It goes on anything, but it makes cozy morning oatmeal bowls 10x better • • • • • • • • • • #goodmorning #breakfast #oats #cozy #peanutbutter #fruit #getinmybelly
Chimichurri Sauce. Yes, please! Whipping this up to go with tonite’s dinner // The past few days I’ve been researching a keto based diet due to my honey’s desire to switch things up. I don’t like to jump into things (especiall
Versatile meals are my jam // It’s hard to eat leftovers when it’s the same thing for two or three nights, but having an adaptable meal already cooked makes switching it up super easy! ••••••••&bull
Do you Yoga?

Do you Yoga?

Victoria Pennacchio
Science

What does it mean to be a yogi? Do you have to practice every day? Nail the perfect headstand? Master the most complicated flows? Absolutely not. The beauty about yoga is, anyone can do it. Any size, any gender, any strength. Yoga recognizes the beauty of how the body moves and allows a person quiet moments to think, reflect, and practice mindfulness. The practice of yoga has been around for centuries and crossed many cultures.

Most recently, research has been conducted to see if there are any physiological effects related to practicing yoga. In a study addressing the self-regulatory benefits of yoga for psychological health, it was found that yoga increases a person’s ability to regulate higher levels of thinking, such as goal setting and attention control, as well as lower level thinking, including increased vagal tone and strengthening the diaphragm (Gard, Noggle, Park, Vago, & Wilson, 2014).

While yoga is beneficial for brain function, it also has other widespread benefits, including the positive effects on the heart. As many of us know, our country faces staggeringly high levels of hypertension, cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association (2013), practicing yoga can decrease blood pressure, lower stress, and increase circulation and muscle tone. The article also explains that long term practicing can increase overall health.

Whether you plan to practice yoga everyday, once a week, or once a month, doing so has positive outcomes on your health. If you’re local, my favorite studio is Three Dog Yoga. Try them out; they won’t disappoint!

References:

AHA (American Heart Association). 2013. Yoga and heart health. Accessed July 30 2017:www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/Yoga-and-Heart-Health_UCM_434966_Article.jsp#.


Gard, T., Noggle, J. J., Park, C. L., Vago, D. R., & Wilson, A. (2014). Potential self-regulatory mechanisms of yoga for psychological health. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 770. http://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00770

Blueberry Matcha Smoothie Bowl

Blueberry Matcha Smoothie Bowl
Zucchini and Parsnip Nests

Zucchini and Parsnip Nests