On Saturday, November 16, Melissa’s participated in a HelloWellness Flow & Fuel event in West Hollywood featuring LA-based celebrity yoga instructor, Claire Grieve, along with holistic health coach, Nedi Varbanova. After an amazing yoga flow with Grieve, Varbanova provided a delicious smoothie demo to attendees using fresh produce provided by Melissa’s.
Grieve is highly sought after for her extensive yoga training with some of the world’s top yogis – she also happens to be a certified health coach. With over a decade dedicated to teaching, Grieve has honed in on her mission to make yoga more enjoyable and accessible to everyone. Events like Flow & Fuel hosted by HelloWellness are just one aspect of how that is possible for an LA-based community of wellness-seekers. Some members of Grieve’s close-knit yogi community include celebrities, professional athletes and fitness leaders.
We connected with Grieve to ask her questions about the connection between the produce that we eat and the yoga we practice. Like, did you know that walnuts might help make you more flexible? For more fun facts from Grieve, read below for the full interview, where she shares insight on products she loves and recipes she can’t live without. Be sure to add these produce staples to your weekly grocery list! And don’t forget to focus on your breathing and aspire to achieve transformation through yoga and wellness. Namaste.
Q: As a yoga instructor, we gotta ask; are there certain produce picks that can help make you more flexible?
Claire Grieve: There is some research that suggests that Omega-3s could increase joint mobility, so walnuts and flaxseeds might help. Another helpful tool is to stay hydrated! I love to make hydration more fun by adding lemon, ginger or mint leaves to filtered water.
Q: Alternatively, are there yoga stretches that help aid digestion?
CG: Yes! There are several yoga poses that can aid in digestion. My favorite is a simple seated twist. Holding a twisted pose for 30 to 60 seconds on each side, can help stimulate blood flow to your digestive organs.
Q: What are some produce staples that are in your grocery cart week after week?
CG: I LOVE fruits and vegetables and do my best to buy seasonally. I’ll always have greens on hand – kale, spinach, arugula; avocados, lemons and ginger are also a must. Other than that, I try to buy an array of colorful fruits and vegetables, preferably in season.
Q: Do you have standard meal prep recipes you make week after week with your produce, or do you mix it up?
CG: I make a version of my Green Goddess Smoothie Bowl almost every day. I love getting creative in the kitchen so am always coming up with new plant-based concoctions.
Q: What are some of your favorite kitchen essentials when it comes to produce?
CG: I always keep a lot of greens on hand. Spinach, kale, arugula, avocados. Mint to spruce up my smoothies. Right now, it’s fall so I have apples, squash, and brussels sprouts in the kitchen.
Q: Snacking is a huge trend for 2019-2020; what healthy produce-centric snacks do you recommend for clients that are always on the go?
CG: Handfuls of nuts or seeds are always a great option. I also love to snack on apples and carrots – they are very satisfying and also filling.
Q: I saw on your website that you support mushroom products like Mushroom Hot Cacao Mix and Mushroom Matcha Drink Mix. Can you share with our readers what some of the nutritional benefits are of following this mushroom trend?
CG: Yes! I love Reishi Mushroom drinks. There has been a lot of discussion of these incredible mushrooms boosting the immune system, reducing fatigue, improving heart health and more!
Q: Holidays are quickly approaching. Do you have any tips on how to relax and revitalize this holiday season?
CG: I think one of the most important things during the holidays is to stay grounded. I tend to meditate more, try to get more sleep, hydrate extra, and eat grounding foods like squashes and vegetable soups.
Q: Lastly, what’s your favorite mantra and why?
CG: Find mindful moments each day to express and practice gratitude. This will energize you and bring more meaning and happiness into your life by shifting your mindset into the positive!
Connect with Grieve on Instagram for more motivation on wellness, @claire_grieve or visit her website at clairegrieve.com.
