Virabhadrasana 1(Warrior 1)+Vegan Veggie Pizza=Amazingly Authentic Pizza

This weeks pairing is a delicious dose of Warrior 1 pose and an amazing vegan veggie pizza I created.

Warrior 1 has the physical benefits of creating a powerful integration of leg strength with fluid flexibility of the hips. In addition to the amazing physical benefits I have experienced through the process of refinement in warrior 1, the moments that have made a lasting impact on me have been the mental and emotional experiences I have had in Warrior 1. Warrior 1 has been an influential part of my process of looking inside and accepting myself as I truly am. When I am standing in Warrior 1, sweaty and raw, there is no hiding from my truth, but rather an honest observation of where I have landed that day. At first, this was a hard pose for me to stand in, for the fear of being seen in all my truth. Why would that be so challenging you may ask? Well it all goes back to being seen fully for who I am, and the fear of not being loved or accepted for that. Yes, Miss Love Bug herself at times has a fear of being unloved for living her truth. Yet warrior 1 has taught me to have more compassion and acceptance of where I have landed in my life and in my truth at any given moment, without the need to hide or cover up. The cool thing is that the more I have come into acceptance of my truth, I am much more humble and honoring of other peoples truths and processes; for we are all together in this world but on different paths at different times.

I chose

Warrior 1 purposely this week to pair with the vegan veggie pizza, for it is the representation of truth and authenticity in nutritious form. The pizza is a what you see is what you get kind of pizza. It has raw, wholesome ingredients with nothing artificial to cover it up, and guess what it still taste’s amazing. Even my non-vegan friends loved it! What I love about this pizza is that it has taught me how to accept myself more fully this week. In it’s purest form it does not judge itself, but rather accepts and loves it self for what it is (Yes I know it is kinda funny talking about a pizza that way, but it’s the Truth…literally). As I continue to practice more acceptance of who I am this week I look forward to Warrior One-ing it and chowing down on some amazingly authentic pizza with you.

I will leave you by sharing one of my favorite phrases from the authentic and lovely artist, India Arie. The lyrics are from her song Video and it goes a little something like this…
“Don’t be offended this is all my opinion
ain’t nothing that I’m sayin law
This is a true confession of a life learned lesson I was sent here to share with y’all
So get in where you fit in go on and shine
Clear your mind, now’s the time
Put your salt on the shelf
Go on and love yourself
‘Cuz everything’s gonna be all right”

Enjoy a Warrior 1 this week by standing in this pose in all your perfections and imperfections:), for that is what makes you the Unique and Awesome person YOU ARE. Then continue the celebration by making this awesomely authentic pizza.

Here’s to Living your truth and Rockin it this week!

Xoxo,
Melanie

***Please use mindfulness and click on link for detailed instructions when performing Warrior 1 :).

Amazingly Authentic Pizza:






You will need a baking sheet/pizza baking sheet.

Ingredients:
-1 gluten free pizza crust (I bought the already made one from Whole Foods and the brand was called UDI’s. I have also made the Bob Red Mills one and it is super yum. If you are not gluten free feel free to use whatever crust you love.)
-1 can of organic diced tomatoes
-1 cup of gigantes beans (I bought them already pre-made at Whole Food Olive Bar but if you don’t have

a whole food near you, you can buy them dry, soak overnight and cook the next day. If you are making your own, season with olive oil, basil, and garlic after cooking.)
-1 large Portabella Mushroom sliced
-6 cloves of garlic halved
-1 cup of artichoke hearts (I bought mine in a jar from Trader Joes, you can also get them in the can or make your own) cut in halves or quarters
-4-5 mini pearl onions sliced or any variety of onions you like
-1/4 cup of Roasted Yellow Tomatoes optional (I got these from the Whole Foods Olive Bar too but you can get them in a jar or roast yourself)

Preparation:
-Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees
-Take the cooked beans and put them in the food processor until they have a coarse/cheese like consistency, you can also go all the way and make it a paste, it is really up to your taste liking.
-Meanwhile let’s have some fun
-Lay out pizza crust on a lightly oiled baking sheet
-Take the bean mixture and spread a layer on the pizza crust
-From here spoon out the diced tomato sauce over bean mixture
-Spread the rest of the veggies over the pizza, be generous and have some fun!

Baking
-Once the pizza is decorated to your liking bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the topping are hot.
-Take out of the oven and allow the pizza to cool for about 5 minutes
-Slice, Serve, and Enjoy!