Today, on one of the hottest days of this summer thus far, I decided that it would be a good idea to go to a hot vinyasa yoga class. To be honest, I didn’t intend on it to be this hot, but I had a morning free for the first time in a while and haven’t been to a class in few weeks. It was so hot in the room that the instructor didn’t turn on any of the heaters. I started doing hot yoga this past May and have fallen in love with the art of yoga. Yoga by itself is relaxing and muscle strengthening enough, but doing it in a 100 degree room is just so much better. Call me crazy, but the aftermath is an amazing feeling. Well, the immediate aftermath is amazing. Tomorrow, my legs and butt might actually hate me.

Now, onto this delicious organic quinoa salad I’m currently addicted to… I’ve been on a hunt for a healthy, hearty, and delicious corn soup/chowder/dish to make with the fresh sweet corn that floods farm stands and fresh markets every summer. Each year, corn on the cob is an obvious side dish in my house because it’s sweet and delicious and that’s all the reason I really think I need. I came across this recipe that combined sweet corn, black beans, and quinoa; a healthy, protein-filled salad that I had to make. I just had to.

So after yoga, yes, right after yoga, sweaty and all, I stopped by the food store to raid the organic isle. I picked up some organic black beans and organic low-sodium chicken broth. [You can use regular black beans and chicken broth, but it was one of those days that I thought that it being 'organic' would make it that much better.]

Well my friends, this was one hell of a salad. Not only have I eaten it for lunch and dinner, but it’s a great snack, side dish, or bring-to-work lunch. It’s filling, tasty, and extremely healthy. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime and you’ve got yourself a hearty little meal right there. And for the record, I did eat it out of a coffee mug, do we have a problem with that? (Handmade coffee mug courtesy of my sister who brought it back for me from Bermuda. Ain’t it pretty?!)

Black Bean and Corn Quinoa Salad
adapted from The Dish on Delish

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper
• 1 1/2 cup fresh corn, cut off the cob
• 1 1/2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (I didn’t add any because I don’t fancy cilantro all that much)

Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Stir in onions and garlic and saute until lightly browned.

Add quinoa and cover with broth. Stir in cumin, cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes (or until all the liquid is absorbed).

Stir in corn and black beans until heated through. Remove from heat and add chopped cilantro (if using) and a squeeze of fresh lime if desired. Serve warm, room temperature or cold.

Before summer 2010 began, I made a few short-term goals for myself. I knew I’d have more time on my hands than I do during the school year, so I thought why not try to accomplish a few things. In no particular order, my goals are as follows:

• Save up $2,000
• Scrapbook my trip to Europe from last summer
• Learn a new language
• Try yoga and/or kickboxing

With the summer more than half way over (say it isn’t so!!!), I’ve started working toward almost all of my goals. I’ve been putting all my paychecks straight into my savings account, I’ve downloaded a few iPod applications on Spanish phrases and just recently bought the Berlitz software for learning Spanish, and I’ve made numerous trips to Michael’s for craft supplies. Then just last week, I attended my first ever yoga class.

I’ve always wanted to try yoga. I took a Pilates class last semester, which I very much liked, and was ready to try something new. I’m always hearing about celebrities who swear by yoga, and magazines that say it’s the next best thing. So last week I researched a bunch of yoga studios in my area, and finally decided that SunTao Yoga Studio would steal my yoga virginity.

With the large selection of yoga studios in North Jersey, the number one perk of SunTao is that it’s located literally seconds from my home. I pass by the studio every day on my way to work, and decided to visit their website and found a great deal: $40 for a month of unlimited yoga. Some places charge up to $20 per class! so $40 for a month was definitely a thumbs up. I checked out their class schedule and called to ask a few questions. Tao answered the phone and was very polite and answered all my questions accordingly. He put my name down for the beginner’s class that Friday.

So I was off to my very first yoga experience. With my stretchy yoga pants, a comfortable shirt, and purple mat, I arrived a few minutes early to fill out some papers, and made my way to the wooden floored room. There was only one other girl there, who made me feel a lot more relaxed knowing it was only her second time doing yoga. After only 3 more people arrived for the class, Tao started. I won’t waste your time telling you step-by-step what went on (you’ll figure that out during your first time ) but I will tell you that yoga is definitely something you have to put your mind to. It was relaxing, and easier than I imaged. I got an excellent stretch out of it, and an hour to focus on nothing more than my body.

The class was nice, and I tried something new. I won’t lie though, I’m not sure if yoga is right for me just yet. If you’ve ever read anything about yoga, it is very much about letting your mind and body relax, and it definitely takes practice to get that inner peace. The next yoga studio I do plan to try out is Yoga Synthesis in Ramsey, NJ. The first class is free for new students, which is excellent for those who are not sure about yoga (ME!). And if you chose to continue, they offer the same deal as SunTao: $40 for a month.

I must admit, I was a bit intimidated by yoga. Some of the poses that people can tangle their bodies into are mind blowing. But if you’re ever in the same boat that I was in, remember, everyone has their first class.