How Exactly Does a Plant-Based Diet Help Your Athletic Performance

plant-based Whistler

The plant-based scene is booming in Whistler and we’ve listed some of our favourite spots here on Whistler Yogacara where you can get your fill of delicious smoothies, salads, soups, wraps, burgers, pastries, and even lots of international dishes. While some of the diners are just vegan-curious, many of the patrons are health and fitness enthusiasts. A plant-based diet offers many positive aspects related to physical fitness as well as athletic performance. It can minimize the risk of illnesses related to eating animal-derived products, like hypertension and heart disease. In addition, a plant-based diet can boost your energy levels, manage weight, and reduce joint pain— benefits that many athletes can stand to gain. What is a plant-based diet? Before going into how a plant-based diet can change lives, let’s first talk about what it is. It’s similar to a vegan diet wherein a person abstains from eating any products sourced from animals.

Whistler Plant-Based Options You’ll Love

Whistler plant-based options

Yogis aren’t shy to trying out or sticking to plant-based options. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian having a place where you not only feel welcomed but can find delicious eats is a top priority. Luckily, Whistler has plenty of options when it comes to a plant-based selection if you know where to look. Whistler plant-based foodies will appreciate this list from budget-friendly to a fancy night out. Here are our top Whistler plant-based picks For lunch: Naked Sprout Our neighbors below us have plenty of tasty plant-based options. From smoothies and juices to salad bowls and soups you’ll definitely want to stop here for lunch after class. Plus, they’re all organic and source from many local farms so you can feel good about what’s going into your body and supporting a community-minded local cafe. Local’s tip: A few times a year they offer a local’s lunch deal where you can get everything you want–food and smoothie–at one low price. Perfect for lunch dates!

Inspiration for Yogacara Teachers: Q & A

Whistler yoga teachers Yogacara

“What is your practice like?” “What got you into yoga?” “Do you practice the same thing everyday?” These are just a few of the questions yoga teachers are asked by their students. To offer you some insight into the everyday life, practice, and routines of your favourite yogis we’ve asked a few of our Yogacara teachers to share their inspiration for 2019. Emily Kane What does your yoga practice consist of? (i.e. what style, influence, or essential parts of your practice) My practice changes everyday. It depends on what is going on in my life which determines what I need more focus on. Some days it’s a lot of movement and breathwork (like vinyasa or kundalini) while other times being still and going inwards with a yin or restorative practice is what nourishes me. I also regularly integrate mantra and meditation. When I’m travelling I like to meditate on planes, trains, or buses–I even do a short hatha sequence at the back of the plane when I’m flying!

Yogacara Featured One of the Best Yoga Studios

Best Yoga Canada

Yogacara has been featured as one of the best yoga studios in Canada by Stylight Magazine. What makes Yogacara so special you might ask? Here are a few reasons why students love joining us for yoga classes, holistic health sessions, yoga teacher training, and more. 1.) Always small class sizes This is a rare opportunity for a yoga studio to cap classes at only 15 students. This allows for a unique connection with your teacher and community. You’ll always receive attention and care you deserve, plus you’ll never feel self-conscious about taking up too much space. There’s always enough to go around! 2.) Compassionate, caring, and skilled teachers We understand yoga is for all and we encourage everyone to practice the values of yoga, on and off their mat. This is what inspires our teachers to hold space for everyone to enjoy their yoga practice. Those vibes can be felt right when you walk through the door.

5 Signs of an Advanced Yogi

Whistler yoga advanced practice

When I started going deeper into my yoga practice, I began to wonder what it really meant to be an advanced yogi. I remember the frustration I had with certain poses that wouldn’t happen no matter how hard I tried. One day in a yoga class, I noticed someone transition directly from a wide-legged forward fold to a headstand. My reaction was, “Wow, this person is like a magical unicorn!” I could also hear the little voice of doubt inside my head saying that would never happen for me. Well, I was wrong. A few years later, I conquered that variation—I’d officially transformed into that magical unicorn. Did I feel any more enlightened? No. Did I feel like I’d raised the bar? Not really. Luckily for us, what determines an advanced yogi has nothing to do with yoga poses; shifting into a refined practice goes a few layers deeper, to the core essence of what it means to be a “real yogi”—whatever that means.

4 Good Reasons To Go Plant Based

whistler vegan diet

Progressively working towards a diet that is centered around plants is one of the best things you can do for your health and the sustainability of our planet. Regardless of your beliefs or practices in regards to consumption of dairy, poultry and other various meat sources, the perks of eating more plants are undeniable. If you still need some convincing, it’s worth considering that some of the strongest, most robust creatures on the planet thrive on a plant based diet. Elephants, rhinos, hippos, bison and horses all thrive and healthily reproduce on a vegan diet. Increased Energy Digestion is one of the most taxing processes that your body undergoes. Since we are digesting food several times a day, it’s best to stick with foods that are easiest for our system to digest. Doing this will minimize the energy that your body is expending. You can expect to see a noticeable difference in….

Whistler Local Gift Guide

Whistler local gift guide

Still have a few more holiday gifts to pick up for people you care about? Feel good about your gift giving over the holidays by picking up something local to Whistler. There are plenty of perfect presents for everyone on your list that support a locally owned and operated business.

For the Adventurous Sprit

If there’s that special person on your list that wants to get out of bounds (but do it safely) then check out the AST Level 1 Avalanche Safety Courses offered by Mountain Skills Academy. They’ll learn the ins-and-outs of avalanche safety and get a solid introduction to venturing into the backcountry.
For those who like to go straight from the hill, to apres, or yoga (or anywhere else for that matter) the GoggleSoc will be revolutionary. It’s a protective case that’ll keep goggles safe from scratching….

Plant-Based Recipes You’ll Love

plant-based meals that are vegan

Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or even flexitarian, anyone can appreciate the wholesome goodness of a plant-based meal. There are many reasons to choose a plant-based diet with plenty of organic veggies and fruits. More plant-based websites and bloggers are coming out with incredible resources to make mouthwatering dishes (that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out). With the right resources, these meals can be filling, tasty, and nutrient dense. Here is a list of the top plant-based recipe resources from websites and bloggers you definitely won’t want to miss.

1.) Oh She Glows

This one’s a no brainer. If you’ve ever stumbled upon this cookbook or website (or app!) you’re in good hands! This award winning vegan recipe website will make meals quick and easy.

Conscious Shopping Guide for Whistler

ethical shopping guide

You already know that where you put your dollar counts. Buying products that are ethical and sustainable for the planet makes a big difference! You realize that making these conscious day-to-day decisions can slowly change the world. You’d think we’d have limited options here in our beautiful little mountain town but luckily, that’s not the case. We have plenty of options in Whistler when it comes to buying consciously. Everything from shopping local, cruetly-free, eco-conscious, and more. We have a few perfect options for conscious shopping in Whistler if you’re looking for great brands that fit your lifestyle. All of the products listed are eco-friendly and cruelty-free. They are available in Whistler at Nesters, IGA, and most drugstores unless otherwise listed. Personal Care/Grooming

A Staycation For Any Whistler Yogi

wanderlust whistler yogi

Whistler has so much to offer in the summer time. From pristine lakes to worthwhile hikes with breathtaking views and even outdoor concerts. When there’s so much to explore from home, there’s no need to go anywhere else. As a local it feels good to take a break and truly enjoy what Whistler offers. For visitors, it’s nice to be connected to this beautiful mountain community. This is why the staycation is the perfect idea for any Whistler yogi. Here are our top suggestions to make your staycation a memorable one.
1.) Lounge on a patio

There’s something about sitting out in the sunshine that can make your heart sing. Our suggestions are Portobello’s in the upper village, Aura in Creekside, and Table Nineteen at Nicklaus North Golf Course.