Float

What is Float?

On a basic level, it is the practice of entering a sensory deprivation tank filled with warm temperature controlled water with a high concentration of Epsom salts. You are able to float with ease in a space where you do not feel anything, see anything or hear anything.

Now why would you want to do this?

There is a plethora of physical and mental benefits that are listed and supported here. Some of which include, relaxation, boost to immune system, pain management, magnesium absorption, stress relief, meditation, and heightened senses.

Our experience

The first time we went to Float Toronto, it was with great enthusiasm, curiosity and a touch of skepticism.   Personally, we have found an instant improvement mentally and physically. The first time it took the majority of the time allotted to really allow ourselves to let go; to relax our muscles and release control of our bodies and minds.  Every visit since, it has become increasingly easier to enter into a meditative state.  When we can remove the clutter of our minds we can then begin to allow our body to relax, decrease muscle tension, blood pressure, stress and increase endorphin.  In an environment of increasing technology, expectations, activities, social media, and the overall hustle and bustle of the city; it feels essential to find a place to allow us to find this inner quiet space to reconnect with our self awareness.  

Dark Chocolate Sweet Potato Brownies

This recipe has been a work in progress but always a favorite! Last night we paired it with the So Delicious diary free vanilla coconut milk ice cream and drizzled it with the MaraNatha dark chocolate almond spread.  Guilt free but always remember portion size

Ingredients
1/4 cup cocoa powder
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp Himalayan pink salt
2 cup flour (used whole wheat)
1 cup cooked sweet potato
1 organic egg
3 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 bar broken up dark chocolate (over 70% quality dark cacao chocolate)

- Preheat oven to 350
- wrap a whole sweet potato tin foil and cook in the oven (around an hour, until tender throughout)
- meanwhile in a bowl, whisk dry ingredients, adding dark chocolate at the end to coat in flour
- once sweet potato is cooked, blend to a smooth consistency and mix with egg and coconut oil
- combine dry ingredients, mix well
- use a bit of the coconut oil to coat the baking dish, put in mixture (use flat surface to even out) bake for 10-12 min
(for extra sweetness added a thin layer of organic dark chocolate almond spread (or nutella))

Tangy Grapefruit Green Smoothie!

Not only does it taste delicious, but there are many well known (and less known) benefits from pink grapefruit.

It has been known to aid in weight loss, provide you with plenty of Vitamin C, help to maintain a healthy heart, aid in digestion and MUCH MORE.

Benefits of Grapefruit

This morning's smoothie is a great way to get all the benefits along with your greens!

Grapefruit Green Smoothie
2 servings


1/2   pink grapefruit
1 handful organic fresh spinach
1/3 lemon
1 small frozen banana
1/3 cup frozen peaches
1/3 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
2 cups cold water

First blend the spinach and 1 cup of water. Add the juice from 1/3 lemon, frozen fruit, protein powder, and 1/2 peeled pink grapefruit.  As you blend, add the remaining cup of water until desired consistency.

Enjoy!

Baked Coconut Crusted Chicken

Looking for a chicken finger substitute? Something less greasy, with less breading and not fried. Try out this easy recipe for a crispy light chicken you can pair up with some sweet potato fries, salad or veggies.

1/2 cup panko

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut shredded

1 tbsp whole wheat flour

1 tsp cayenne

dash of salt & pepper

1 egg white

1/4 cup olive oil

2 boneless skinless organic chicken breasts

Preheat oven to 375 F, line baking sheet with parchment paper

In one bowl mix dry ingredients, in another whisk egg white/olive oil

Remove fat from chicken breasts, butterfly (or use mallet to create thinner pieces), cut into pieces about 1 1/2 inches wide and 3-4 inches long

Dip each tender into dry ingredients, then dip in oil/egg, then lastly back into dry ingredients - pressing the chicken into bowl.  

Place the chicken strips on baking sheet.  Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the chicken over and bake another 10 minutes.

Turn the oven to broil, and continue baking for 3-4 minutes until chicken has evenly browned.

Acai Super Smoothie - Best One Yet!

I had to post the recipe for this morning's power packed smoothie.  This recipe made enough for 2 Enjoy!

Acai Super Smoothie

handful of spinach
pomegranate seeds
1 small spoonful of spirulina

Blend these ingredients with 1/2 cup cold water to start.  Add the following ingredients after:

1 pack unsweetened Acai
1 ripe banana
frozen blueberries (no sugar added)
frozen strawberries (no sugar added)
1 scoop vanilla whey
1 cup of cold water

Blend with the previous ingredients, add more water depending on the consistency you like.

Benefits of "Superfoods" Spirulina, Pomegranate, Acai, and Spinach.