Confessions of a (non)yogi & a recipe for homemade fruit leather

Hi friends! I’d like to introduce you to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and writer who is beautiful from the inside out! McKenzie Hall, of NourishRDs brings her positive spirit and “lets get real here” attitude to the blog. I met McKenzie soon after moving to Los Angeles and we’ve been exploring the city together ever since! Today, she shares her love of yoga clothes, wholesome snacks, and how to find a workout that you like – the only kind that’s gonna stick. She’s got a wonderful blog too  – so definitely check it out!

Here’s McKenzie:

I wish I were more into yoga. Is that a weird way to start to this blog post? I hope not.

It was actually the first thought that came to mind when Caroline and I were brainstorming ideas for this guest blog as we strolled through the Venice canals one lovely, sunny Sunday afternoon.

“You could write about fitness, McKenzie” she said, “That would be great!”

As it just so happens, I absolutely love talking about fitness and nutrition and how the two go hand-in-hand. I love viewing food as fuel; as something that our bodies use to do the things we love to do. And what I love is hiking, dancing, swimming, and hiking some more. But, I’m not the biggest fan of yoga. And I really wish I were. I love the idea of yoga, the principles of yoga and the lifestyle it encourages. And yoga clothes are so amazing. Even my mom is a yoga instructor – you think the yoga gene would be somewhere in my blood! But when it comes right down to it, yoga just isn’t for me.

 How often do we think we should do something, be something, when it just doesn’t fit?

This goes for food, too. What works for some people, doesn’t work for everyone. Our bodies are all different and unique, and we respond to food (and exercise) differently. And what works for us today, may not necessarily work for us tomorrow. Who knows? I could be a full-fledged yogi in 20 years!

So rather than thinking you “should” eat this or do that – I strongly encourage you to find what works best for you –to find healthy habits that work for you and those that you can stick with. I’ve found that finding maintainable, sustainable habits is the secret to health and contentment. So even though yoga may not be for me, I do love being active each day – and I’ve come to embrace the activities I love.

Regardless of what you love to do, here’s a recipe that will fuel you to do the activities you love to do. Prior to exercise, it’s best to eat a snack made up of easily digestible carbohydrates, such as fruit, a low-fat yogurt, or a granola bar. Carbohydrates are your body’s preferred source of fuel; they help you run that extra flight of stairs, climb to the top of the steep hill, or even master tree pose.

What activities do you love to do? I’d love to know!

{DIY 2-Ingredient} Apple Cinnamon Fruit Leather

Keep a few of these fruit leathers on hand to give you the added boost of energy you may need to fuel your next activity.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to lowest temperature possible. I was able to set my oven to 170 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap or a silpat silicone mat.
3. In a medium sized bowl, mix apple sauce and amount of desired cinnamon.
4. Spread the apple mixture out onto the baking sheet. For best results, spread as evenly and thinly as possible.
5. Place in the oven and let bake for 6-7 hours.  Fruit leather is done when it is a little bit sticky.
6. Let cool for approximately 20 minutes. Cut into desired width and roll into wax paper. Store in an air-tight container.

McKenzie Hall is a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Los Angeles, and co-founder of Nourish RDs, a nutrition communications and consulting business. McKenzie alongside with her business partner and best friend, Lisa, believe eating well is not about what you can’t eat—it’s about what you can eat. Their best (non) diet advice? Eat real food and share it with those you love! You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram and check out their recipes and nutrition tips on the Nourish RDs blog. You can also check out McKenzie’s personal Twitter & Pinterest accounts here.